(KTTS News) — The City of Ozark plans to remove two dozen dead trees from local parks.
The green ash trees died from infestation by the emerald ash borer.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive insect species that can cause severe damage to ash trees.
Crews will begin removing 17 trees from Finley River Park on Monday.
Crews will also remove seven trees from Neal Grubaugh Park.
The main goal is to prevent these trees from collapsing near or on park visitors or structures.
The parks will be closed while crews remove the trees.
Press Release
The City of Ozark is thrilled to announce it was awarded a Community Forestry Cost-Share Grant through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to remove green ash trees under threat from emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis).
A total of 24 trees are set to be removed — 17 from Finley River Park and seven from Neal Grubaugh Park.
The parks will be closed to the public during tree removal.
Crews are scheduled to begin at Finley River Park on Monday, Dec. 11.
This closure will not impact the Festival of Lights.
The identified trees pose a risk to visitors and the park’s environment; they are dead due to infestation by the emerald ash borer and cannot be treated.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive insect species that can cause severe damage to ash trees.
The decision to remove these trees was made after a Missouri Department of Conservation Community Forester conducted a thorough risk assessment.
The main goal is to prevent these trees from collapsing near or on park visitors or structures.
The trees must be removed during this time of the year, November through March, to minimize any potential impact on bat populations.
This project will cost $35,739.
The MDC Community Forestry Cost-Share Grant will cover $29,760, with the City responsible for the remaining $5,979.
The City of Ozark is committed to protecting public safety and preserving the natural environment in its parks, and we thank MDC for making this goal possible.
For information on signs of infestation, how to test your trees, and treatment options, check out this article.
