By Cecilia Nasmith

Starting today, the Town of Cobourg is asking residents to avoid the north section of the Cobourg Conservation Area, as they will be removing dead ash trees along the north and east edges of the north section (off Elgin Street) as part of its on-going Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan.

As part of this plan, the town continues to monitor ash trees that may potentially be infected due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle that feeds on the inner bark and disrupts the flow of nutrients and water throughout the tree. There is no known method to eradicate this species. Any home owners adjacent to town-owned ash trees found to be infected will be notified by letter and informed of the scheduled removal and replacement dates.

“We continue to identify public ash trees within town boundaries and actively monitor these trees for signs of these invasive tree pests,” Parks Manager Rory Quigley said in the announcement.

“We want to remove these dead or declining trees before they become more of a risk to the public.”

The Emerald Ash Borer originated in Asia and is believed to have spread via shipping packaging made of untreated wood. From there, it has caused the decline and death of many ash trees throughout southern Ontario, and its presence in Northumberland County was confirmed in June 2013.

If you believe the town ash tree in the boulevard next to your property is infected with the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, contact Quigley at rquigley@cobourg.ca or 905-372-8641 ext. 4370.

For more information about ash-tree removal and the town's Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, e-mail trees@cobourg.ca or visit www.cobourg.ca/EAB