The city of Ames is investing in an urban forest, thanks to a nearly $1 million grant from the federal government.
Ames City Forester Gabriel Edwards said the U.S. Forest Service grant of $810,500 will be allocated over five years and will be used for a variety of urban forestry projects, including planting new trees and removing ash trees infected with the emerald ash borer. The city also plans to use the funds for tree pruning, invasive plant removal and installing gravel-bed nurseries for young trees.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this significant award from the USDA Forest Service,” Edwards said. “Allotted over four and a half years, this grant will have far-reaching impacts on our community and urban forests.”
The grant will allow the city to move forward with several projects developed over the past decade while also allowing officials to budget for the unexpected.
“We believe this is a win-win for the city of Ames and the urban forestry,” Edwards said.
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Emerald Ash Borer Control
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that kills all species of ash trees. It was discovered in North America in 2002 and in Iowa in 2010.
The City of Ames has instituted an Emerald Ash Borer Control Plan to slow the spread.
The plan includes a phased treatment and removal process for public trees. Certain ash trees will be removed based on public safety, tree deficiencies, size, cost and benefit. The remaining ash trees will be treated every three years.
The plan also allows Ames to diversify its urban forest by planting a variety of seedlings through a one-to-one exchange program.
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Celia Blocker is the government, crime, politics and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
