Urban Oregon Ash - Inventory and plan development in the face of Emerald ash borer

The invasive beetle, Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first detected in Oregon within an urban area of Washington County in 2022. The spread of this beetle has already begun to take its toll on its preferred host tree, ash (Fraxinus spp.). Though there are many species of ash throughout the urban area, Oregon only has one native ash tree, Oregon ash (F. latifiolia) which is highly associated with stream corridors and wetland habitats. Along our streams Oregon ash helps provide soil infiltration, streambank stabilization, stream shade, and other critical ecosystem services throughout private and public lands alike. As EAB spreads it will kill much, if not all Oregon ash trees, which can grow to be over 100-feet tall when fully mature. Dead and weakened trees can pose severe social, economic, and environmental risks and impacts posing challenges with nearby homes, roads, and other infrastructure. EAB impacts coupled with other urban stressors including higher temperatures, drought, and soil compaction make for a complex and challenging dilemma resulting in significant economic burden to individual residents and government entities. This presentation shares an Ash tree inventory and management plan development tool specifically for use in urban forested natural areas. These tools were created to help engage a variety of urban communities and municipalities for a proactive response to EAB, saving time and money. The sooner urban areas can complete an ash inventory, the sooner long-term management plans can be implemented, public health can be ensured, and economic savings can be realized.