The emerald ash borer has left its mark in Sunset Park. Sturgeon Bay Municipal Services Director Mike Barker says roughly 20 trees need to be removed from the area due to the disease. The group is on the boundaries of Bradley Lake, and soil saturation makes it difficult for city equipment to enter the site. Barker says the department gets around that by doing it after the ground has frozen. The project was initially scheduled for last winter, but warm temperatures for much of the season made the work impossible.
Municipal Services has asked for funding to put in new trees at the location next year. Barker says there will be several species of hardwoods planted.
Barker says the emerald ash borer is a warning for becoming too dependent on one type of tree. He says the city would be particularly vulnerable if a disease cropped up targeting maple trees, given their abundance in the area. The topic was discussed at Wednesday’s Parks and Recreation meeting. Other issues discussed included the potential for green space at the West Waterfront development.
