According to the Tonawanda News, at a recent presentation by the DEC about Emerald Ash Borer’s imminent discovery in the town of Tonawanda, Town Highway Superintendent William Swanson said of the 31,000 trees in the town, 498 are ash trees.
“We don’t know how many are on private property,” he said. “We’re here to protect trees not remove them,” Swanson added.
Jack Schifferli, the town forester, explained the diversity of trees planted in the Town. “We plant 25 varieties and mix them up. We evaluate ash trees twice a year,” Schifferli said. “We have every ash tree recorded, its size and condition,” he explained. “We tell our residents that if they think they have an ash tree, give us a call.”
A great example of a town taking pride in its urban forest and being pro-active to help save trees!
