When Bridgeport City Council allocated a little more than $1 million in budget surplus during a May meeting, all of the items except one involved requests previously made by department heads. The other was for a problem that Parks and Recreation officials believe needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

 

After an explanation from City Manager Kim Haws to the city’s governing body, they agreed. Because of that, the city has allocated $33,000 for tree removal at various city parks.

 

“These are trees that are dying along city trails, parking lots, picnic areas, city roadways; basically anywhere a tree is an issue and could  be an issue,” said City of Bridgeport Safety Manager Matt Looker.

 

It’s not just any tree. It’s the Ash Tree and they’re not just dying in Bridgeport. Looker said they’re dying all across West Virginia as part of an invasive species known as emerald ash borers.

 

“They came from the Great Lakes by way of shipping containers and they made their way through the interstate system when wood was being moved for the use of firewood,” said Looker. “You can see how it’s traveled through areas and it’s finally here.”

 

The borer is actually a jewel beetle native to northeastern Asia that feeds on ash tree species. The damage occurs when females lay eggs in bark crevices on the trees. The larvae feed underneath the bark of ash trees to emerge as adults in one to two years. It is considered extremely damaging to ash trees throughout North America.

 

Basically, the tree can’t feed and they’re starved of nutrients. Eventually, after several years – sometimes up to 10 years – the tree will die. Looker said cities in Ohio have been dealing with it for several years.

 

“It’s spread to us now and it needs addressed,” said Looker. “You’re able to see the damage now, but the trees have been infested and infected for some time.

 

The city plans on removing dozens of trees in the very near future. The city will contract out the work and work with city staff to handle the removal. Some trees, said Looker, will be easy to remove, while others will require contractors specializing in tree removal.

 

“We’re looking at dozens of trees,” Looker said. “The trees being looked at are in the worth shape and are exposed to areas where we need to have them removed.”

 

Recently, Bridgeport Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth pointed out several trees at Compton Park that will be coming down. He said there are trees at other parks that will also be coming down.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Joe Shuttleworth pointing out a dying Ash tree at Compton Park. Another tree is shown below void of vegetation that's been choked out by the ash borer.