AKWESASNE — The Environment Division’s Forestry Resources Program announced it is combining efforts with National Grid in response to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Akwesasne. Through their joint efforts, they will be working to safely remove ash trees within striking distance of all electrical lines. Removal is necessary as EAB infestation causes ash trees to become very brittle and dangerous as the tree dies. As a result, tree removal is being scheduled for the coming months to prevent any disruption of electrical service to Akwesasne homes and businesses.
In advance of ash tree removal, representatives from National Grid’s arborist company; Asplundh Tree Service, LLC; will be canvassing the community to inform customers of the EAB Tree Mitigation Project and to obtain landowner’s authorization to complete the work. Property owners will be presented with a form to sign before work can commence during the winter months of 2019-2020. Landowners may “authorize” or “refuse” to allow the work to be completed. Please note that National Grid is scheduling this work once and will not return to the area for another five years for tree work. If landowners decline to have an ash tree removed during this one time offer, they will be responsible for the tree’s removal on their property.
Last month, the Tribe’s Forestry Resources Program issued a call out for property owners who are willing to have an ash tree safely removed and replaced with another tree type. Replacement trees may include maple, oak, hop hornbeam, blue beech, sassafras, hickory, horse chestnut, patriot elm, flowering crab, hawthorn, catalpa and osage orange, and more, depending on matching soil conditions. Landowners have until Seskehkó:wa/September 30th to express their desire to have an ash tree replaced. National Grid also has a reimbursement program for utility compatible trees that are planted in the electric utility right of ways. We will be working closely with National Grid to utilize this program.
For further information about the ash tree removal project, please call the Tribe’s Environment Division at (518) 358-5937 or visit their office during normal business hours at 449 Frogtown Road in Akwesasne, New York.
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