Spooner to Seek Grant Funding for Emerald Ash Borer Treatments

SPOONER, Wis. (WLAK / WBZH) – The Spooner City Council recently approved a request to apply for grant funding meant to help treat trees infected by the emerald ash borer.

The invasive beetles have spread across Wisconsin over recent years, threatening all of the white, black and green ash trees in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed an infestation in Burnett County last year, meaning the beetles have spread to all 72 counties.

DNR officials estimate the beetles kill 99 percent of the ash trees they infect. Infested trees show signs of overall deterioration as well as visible bark damage caused by woodpeckers trying to eat the beetles and larvae. The damage caused by the invasive species has forced many municipalities to start removing ash trees from city streets entirely or purchase expensive treatments.

The City of Spooner is seeking assistance in paying for those treatments as it tries to protect its remaining ash trees. According to a Spooner Advocate report, city officials plan to apply for a DNR Urban Forestry 50/50 grant.

The City Council previously considered a proposal to treat just five trees for the invasive species, which would have cost about $200 per tree. The July proposal failed on a split vote, leading officials to pursue alternative options for addressing the beetles.

If the city receives the grant funding, it will be used to treat 100 trees for the emerald ash borer, replace 30 other trees, and remove an additional 30 trees entirely. Officials are also planning public education efforts to teach private property owners how to treat ash trees on their land themselves.