The Ripton Conservation Commission will be hosting an informational session about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ripton Community House, 1305 Rt 125, Ripton, VT.

Ginger Nickerson, Forest Pest Coordinator with UVM Extension, and Chris Olson, Addison County Forester will be presenting on EAB's history, the threat it poses to our community's ash trees, and management options moving forward. What can cities, towns and landowners do.

EAB is an invasive beetle whose larvae feeds upon the inner bark of ash trees. In doing so, the ash tree is unable to transport water and nutrients, eventually resulting in the death of the tree. EAB is responsible for killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across the U.S. – the dead trees pose a public safety threat if they can fall in populated areas. EAB has recently been confirmed in Addison County, and municipalities and homeowners should plan for the treatment, removal, or replacement of their ash trees.

Vermont's forestlands average 5-7% ash but can be 40% or higher in places. Ash are commonly found along rural roads. Learn how to identify the EAB, how it may impact your town and your land, and what you can do to prepare for this pest.