Begin forwarded message:

From: "Neil, Chris" <cneil@cambridgema.gov> Subject: DPW Urban Forestry Community Notice Date: June 11, 2014 at 6:15:40 PM EDT To: "Neil, Chris" <cneil@cambridgema.gov>

Good Evening, I am writing to you today to talk about the Emerald Ash Borer Beatle (EAB) and its effect on the health of Ash Trees in the City of Cambridge. This pest, discovered in Michigan in 2002, is known to kill Ash trees within a one to three year time frame. EAB was recently found in North Andover, Massachusetts, and could arrive in the city at any time. The City of Cambridge currently has 883 City-maintained Ash trees, representing 4.6% of the City¹s canopy. DPW has followed this issue over the years, and will begin a proactive treatment this summer using the product TreeAzin. TreeAzin is derived from seed extracts of the Neem tree, is administered at the trunk of the tree, and is not hazardous to humans or animals.

The city arborist has inspected all 883 Ash trees and has identified the most vulnerable trees. Ash trees that have been deemed in poor condition, thus making them vulnerable to the EAB, will go through a tree removal hearing process this month. The tree removals help protect the public from damage that dead or decaying trees can cause. DPW will host two educational events in the next couple of weeks to inform our community about the EAB, the city¹s efforts and how you can help. David Lefcourt, city arborist, will provide a formal presentation about EAB and its effects on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Main Branch Library from 6:00pm-7:30pm. He will also be at the Main Branch Library on Saturday, June 21 from 9:00am ­ 11:00am. This is more of an informal event where residents can come and ask questions during this two hour period.

To learn more about the EAB, view Ash tree locations, and upcoming events and tree hearings, please visitwww.cambridgema.gov/eab <http://www.cambridgema.gov/eab> .

Thanks,

Chris

Chris Neil Community Relations Manager City of Cambridge Department of Public Works 147 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 P. 617.349.4825 F. 617.349.4868

<http://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Cambridge-Department-of-Public-Works-O... ficial/100857050004033> <https://twitter.com/CambridgeDPW>