The dreaded Emerald Ash borer appears to be heading west and Omaha City Councilman Pete Festersen says the city needs to take action now. City Councilman Pete Festersen says, “About two weeks ago we thought the Emerald Ash borer was 100 miles away in Iowa. Just last week we received confirmation that it is now in Montgomery County, just 30 to 40 miles away.”
On Tuesday the City Council authorized the Parks & Recreation Department to increase resources to allow sufficient time to prepare for the arrival of the damaging insects. There are about 300 Emerald Ash trees along the city’s right-of-way and about 400 more in city parks. The Parks Department’s goal is to save as many trees as possible.