Local Authority and Management Responsibility
Emerald Ash Borer Community Toolbox
In addition to having a good tree ordinance, a nuisance ordinance enables communities to enforce issues related to trees and public safety. A few examples are listed below. Review these guidelines for writing tree ordinances [PDF exit DNR] before getting started.
Contact your local DNR Urban Forestry Staff for additional and more specific community tree ordinances. Please also consult your legal advisor on any matters relating to implementing your own ordinances.
Sample ordinances
No endorsement is implied. The following ordinances are meant to be used as examples, are intended to assist units of government in enacting their own ordinances and are only advisory.
- Stevens Point, WI [PDF exit DNR]
Comprehensive tree ordinance, which includes more detail. - Fond du Lac, WI [exit DNR]
Nuisance ordinance, chapter 476-9. Includes hazards that affect PRIVATE property as well as public. - Green Bay, WI [exit DNR]
View nuisance section 25.21(5). All hazards are covered affecting public property: vision/sign impairment, disease or insect (non-specific). The nuisance section is part of comprehensive ordinance.
Preparing a written EAB plan
An EAB plan provides direction for ash management, helping minimize the disruption and effect of emerald ash borer. A few examples of EAB plans are listed below. Review these guidelines for emerald ash borer (EAB) management plans [PDF] before getting started.
Contact your local DNR Urban Forestry Staff for additional examples and assistance.
Sample plans
No endorsement is implied.
- Allouez, WI - EAB Readiness Plan [PDF exit DNR]
Developed in 2017. This 35-page plan includes an excellent executive summary and text box. The plan is also colorful and easy-to-read. - Big Foot Beach State Park, WI - EAB Management Plan [PDF]
This plan is for a natural area mixed with high use areas. The plan is separated by priority areas and highlighting the main concerns of the natural area. - Fitchburg, WI - EAB Readiness & Response Plan [PDF]
Developed in 2010. Fitchburg’s 20-page plan covers inventory, which includes sample plots in wooded areas. There is also information on contracted versus in-house costs for EAB, including equipment costs. The recommendations in this plan are prioritized with a question and answer section at the end. - Menasha, WI - EAB Readiness Plan [PDF]
Developed in 2010. This is a larger plan at 110 pages. It includes many maps and appendices as well as information on benefits and many cost analyses. - Town of Rib Mountain, WI - EAB Preparedness Plan [PDF]
Developed in 2017. This plan is from a small community and includes a cost/benefit analysis of management options over 47 pages.
Outreach
One of the most important aspects of preparing for or dealing with an emerald ash borer infestation at the municipal level is making sure that all affected persons, including administrators, team members and members of the public, are kept informed and have access to needed resources. Below are examples of resources on which you may wish to model your own outreach efforts.
Press release examples
Getting timely information out once EAB is found in a community is critical. The process often begins with the first press release.
Below are some examples you can use for guidance. They contain similar information but are written in different styles.
Community websites
Most people will immediately go to municipal websites for information as soon as EAB is confirmed in their communities. You can save your staff a lot of time and the public a lot of frustration by having a well-organized, up-to-date site that addresses frequent questions and issues. Make sure the website is kept up-to-date and includes a current list of contacts and resources for community members.
Below are examples of EAB sections of municipal websites that serve their communities well.
Outreach materials
The outreach materials below can be used as-is or tailored to your community’s needs. Be sure to credit the developers when possible.
- Emerald Ash Borer: The Dangers and Costs of Infested Trees [PDF]
This resource briefly explains the impacts of EAB infestation on trees, management options for healthy yard trees and the costs and dangers associated with ash infested and killed by EAB. The takeaway message is that homeowners should evaluate their yard trees now and come up with a plan for avoiding higher costs and safety risks later, and we provide links for readers to find more information. - Wisconsin EAB Information Source [exit DNR]
This information source website includes current information for homeowners, woodland owners, industry professionals and others on how to identify EAB and ash trees, signs and symptoms, known EAB locations in Wisconsin, quarantines, regulations, pesticides and much more. - The EAB Information Network [exit DNR]
A multinational site has current information about EAB that is suitable for everyone. - EAB University [exit DNR]
This website offers presentations on virtually every aspect of dealing with emerald ash borers. In addition to live webinars, there is a large archived list of topics. - Insects in Wisconsin That May be Confused with EAB [PDF]
Wisconsin DATCP offers an excellent handout to help those unfamiliar with insects identify EAB adults. - Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer [PDF exit DNR]
An excellent document from the North Central IPM Center that will help community and team members understand treating EAB with pesticides. - Ash Tree Awareness Tag [exit DNR]
A generic tag for ash trees that will help promote awareness of the insect. - A Guide to Kids’ Activities for EAB Events and Schools
A variety of children’s EAB activities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.