EAB meeting on July 12

CRESCO - Howard County and Cresco in particular has been identified as positive for Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic pest that attacks and kills all species of ash trees, including green, white, black and blue.

The meeting is being held for homeowners and other concerned citizens. Wednesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Featherlite Center, Howard County Fairgrounds, Cresco. It is free and being sponsored by Howard County Extension & Outreach.

The first official identification was at 3rd Ave. S.E. in Cresco.

Attendees will learn

• How to identify EAB

• How to identify an ash tree

• Signs of EAB infestation

• Is the tree safe? Is it a candidate for treatment?

• EAB treatment options

• How spread of EAB is being restricted

• Ash tree replacement options

The City of Cresco will also be addressing the issue of ash trees in the boulevards, which are city property.

Public Works Director Rod Freidhof wants homeowners who are planning to treat an ash tree that is in the boulevard to contact him at City Hall, 563-547-3101. Otherwise the tree may be on the “to destroy” list being compiled.

Presenters include Donald Lewis, Iowa State University Professor and Extension Entomologist; Mike Kintner, EAB Coordinator with Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship; and Greg Heidebrink, Iowa DNR District Forester.