Invasive Species
The Emerald Ash Borer is only a minor pest in its original Asian habitat, where there are fewer Ash trees for food and habitat. It is believed that Emerald Ash Borer eggs were accidentally imported to the Midwest United States from China in shipments of Ash wood. Scientists first noted the deaths of large numbers of Ash in the early 2000s and believe the infestation began in the early 1990s. They began killing Ash trees around 1998.
By 2003, Emerald Ash Borers had killed at least five to seven million trees in the Midwest, and the number continues to climb astronomically. In some forests in Michigan, EABs have killed more than 99% of Ash trees. |
This has had a devastating affect on the Midwestern United States. Because of the ecological impact of the EAB, many laws have been put into place regulating the sale of Ash products. The Michigan nursery industry has been particularly hard-hit, along with sawmills and logging companies.
One proposed way to stymie the infestation is to remove Ash trees from parks, private land, and streets in Midwestern states. Economists predict this would cost approximately $26 billion. Other options are expensive as well, ranging from $4 billion and up.
One issue many have with tree removal is the value of those trees to both the environment and to property values. Trees on private property can add thousands of dollars to the value of that property, and can also reduce cooling costs and scrub pollution from the atmosphere. In the Midwest, where massive deforestation has already occurred in its past, this option is not attractive to many. (3)
One proposed way to stymie the infestation is to remove Ash trees from parks, private land, and streets in Midwestern states. Economists predict this would cost approximately $26 billion. Other options are expensive as well, ranging from $4 billion and up.
One issue many have with tree removal is the value of those trees to both the environment and to property values. Trees on private property can add thousands of dollars to the value of that property, and can also reduce cooling costs and scrub pollution from the atmosphere. In the Midwest, where massive deforestation has already occurred in its past, this option is not attractive to many. (3)