Rochester, N.Y- Several trees are infested with the deadly Emerald Ash Borer in and around Upper Falls Park on St. Paul Street.
City Forestry officials say seventeen ash trees in the area are infested and one of them has died.
They took samples that confirmed the beetle infested the ash trees.
The invasive species has killed tens of millions of trees in other states where it has been detected.
While some may find this as cause for alarm, Mayor Thomas Richards insists that should not be the case. "We planned for this eventuality and thanks to our excellent Forestry staff and funding from City Council, we have an effective plan to address this problem," Richards said.
As part of its management plan last year, the City identified 4,300 trees to receive an insecticide treatment. Crews began removing ash trees in poor condition and replacing them with trees not susceptible to the beetle.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Paul D'Amato says, "Right now, our best defense against this bug is a good offense, and the City has certainly provided that."
