City of Silverton, Ohio urban forestry

Urban Forestry Tree Guide Click Here!

The mission of the Urban Forestry Board is:

To serve as advocate for the City of Silverton.
To promote and protect the beauty and environment of the street and park trees.
To investigate, make findings, report and recommend any matter or questions regarding said trees.
To educate, disseminate news and information regarding the selection, planting and maintenance of trees within the corporate limits, whether on private or public property.
To annually establish and maintain an inventory of City's street trees; and implement an Arbor Day observance.

MEMBERSHIP

Our membership consists of five Voting Board members and auxiliary membership, the latter of which is open to the public. Our new Board Roster for the 2009 year includes:

Bob Stroup - Chair

Shirley Hackett - Vice Chair

Sandy Matey - Secretary

Idella Thompson - Board Member

Marcella Trice - Board Member

Our terms of office are for three years, positions to be reviewed annually in January.

MEETING DATES/TIMES

Our meetings are always the third Thursday of each month, at 4:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. They are open to the public, and we would welcome additional membership to add to the enthusiasm and knowledge of our gatherings.

EVENTS/PROGRAMS

In January the Board will finalize its programming for 2010. Anyone with an interest in trees is invited to participate in Board activities.

EMERALD ASH BORER MANAGEMENT PLAN

You may be aware of the threat being posed to our forests by the Emerald Ash Borer. Below is an explanation of the threat and what it means to Silverton.

What is the emerald ash borer?
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a small green beetle native to Asia. It was accidentally introduced to the North America in the 1990's, most likely in Michigan or Ontario. In recent years it has expanded its range, primarily through the transport of infected wood. While there have been no confirmed cases of EAB in Silverton, infestations have occurred in other Hamilton County communities.

Emerald Ash Borer

What is its effect?
The EAB preys exclusively on ash trees. Once a tree is infected with the borer it goes into rapid decline. The infection is always fatal. Treatments are available, but must be administered annually prior to any infection. Contact a certified arborist for more information.

Ash tree infected with EAB

In an effort to ward off an emerald ash borer infestation, the City of Silverton has adopted an EAB Management Plan. Details of the plan are outlined below:

At-risk ash species will not be planted by the City until such time as the threat of EAB infestation has been abated.
Silverton will participate in the Ohio Department of Agriculture's EAB surveillance plan and shall report any suspected infestations accordingly.
The City will utilize the previously conducted inventory of publicly owned ash trees to determine priority for removal. An estimated budget and timeframe will be generated from the collected data. Trees determined to be hazardous shall receive priority for removal, followed by those that are no longer assets to the community (dead or dying). Utility contractors will be encouraged to remove all ash trees within their easements as part of their normal line clearance activities.
As the annual budget permits, all removed public ash trees will be replaced with non-host species trees (where appropriate) that will enhance the planting site and add to the diversity and general health of the urban forest. Plantings will be budget-based and prioritized by canopy cover goals as identified by the City Manager or designee in consultation with the Urban Forestry Board. Those areas needing the most coverage to reach their goals will be planted first.
The Silverton Planning Commission is strongly discouraged from permitting the inclusion or planting of ash trees in any future private developments within the City.
The Urban Forestry Board is charged with the responsibility of developing and promoting and EAB education program for Silverton residents. The City will assist in this endeavor through the posting and maintenance of an EAB informational page on the City's website.

Bark of a healthy ash tree

Residents are strongly discouraged from planting ash trees until such time as the risk of borer infestation has disappeared. If you have an ash tree in your yard you may want to consider having it evaluated by a certified arborist for treatment. If you suspect one of your trees is infected with the emerald ash borer you are encouraged to contact the city at 936-6240 or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at (513) 932-6836.