10 Dec Ash Tree Removal along NCC Property
I would like to share with River Ward Residents the following news release that was received from the National Capital Commission regarding Ash Tree removal in our community.
Canada’s Capital Region — The National Capital Commission wishes to advise the public that hundreds of dying or dead ash trees that are infested with the emerald ash borer will have to be removed, as they now constitute a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorists. Maintenance crews will be removing these ash trees beginning on Monday, December 8, and continuing through the month. The removals will take place at a number of locations in Ottawa’s west side, including Fisher Avenue near Shillington Avenue, along the Ottawa River recreational pathway and along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. These operations are expected to carry on into the new year.
The ash tree removals will take place during off-peak hours, and may involve some lane closures on the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. The NCC urges pedestrians and drivers to exercise caution, and to respect the barricades and signs, and obey flag persons present during the tree removal.
The emerald ash borer is a highly destructive insect that was discovered in Canada for the first time in the summer of 2002. This invasive insect has killed millions of ash trees in Canada and the United States. It poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas in both countries. The emerald ash borer does not pose a risk to human health.
The NCC will roll out a comprehensive reforestation plan that is specific to these locations after the sites have been appropriately cleared and cleaned up, including removal of the tree stumps.
More information about the NCC’s response to the emerald ash borer can be found on the NCC’s website.