Trees To Be Replanted After Removal Of Infected Specimens

Town of North Hempstead Council Member Veronica Lurvey is pleased to announce that the Town will be replanting trees at Mary Jane Davies Green, following the removal of eight trees that were infected with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB is an invasive species that has caused significant damage to ash trees across the country, and the Town is taking proactive measures to ensure that our local ecosystems are protected.

“We understand how important trees are to our environment and our communities,” said Council Member Veronica Lurvey. “We want to assure residents that we are taking every step to protect our trees and the local ecosystem from invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer. We are committed to replanting trees at Mary Jane Davies Green Park and restoring its natural beauty.”

The replanting program will ensure that the park’s beauty and ecological diversity is preserved for generations to come. The Town is encouraging residents to report any sightings of the Emerald Ash Borer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to help protect our local environment.

“Ash trees (Fraxinus) are an important tree species and provide habitat for local wildlife here on Long Island. Tree diversity is important not only because it helps promote pest and disease resistance, but it helps combat climate change and is essential to the overall health of our ecosystem,” said Olivia Cunningham, arborist on the Town’s tree advisory committee and Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. “Ash trees play an important role here on Long Island, by colonizing disturbed areas and stabilizing degraded wetlands. The loss of Ash trees in our canopy due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) would have a serious impact on our local environment and negatively affect the wildlife that depend on it. We must take action by reporting any suspected EAB infestations and removing these trees to limit the spread.”

In November 2021, the Town Board approved revisions to the Town’s Tree Policy and two tree-related local laws concerning tree preservation and tree removal, thanks to the hard work of Council Member Lurvey’s advocacy. This effort included significant public participation, with community members providing valuable input to help preserve trees, increase the tree canopy cover, and ensure that the right types of trees are planted in the right places. The updated policies and laws reflect the Town’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability and demonstrate the importance of working together as a community to protect our natural resources.

To report an EAB infestation, email photos and the location to foresthealth@ dec.ny.gov or call the DEC’s Forest Health information line at 1-866-640-0652. To report a tree, on the public right of way, infected with EAB call 516-869-6311.