Funding Available to Communities in the Western Lake Erie Basin for Hazard Ash Tree Removal and Replacement

COLUMBUS, OH – Federal grant funds totaling $300,000 are available to northwest Ohio communities heavily impacted by the emerald ash borer (EAB), according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry. Funds will support the removal and replacement of publicly owned ash trees to cities, villages and townships in the 27-county Western Lake Erie Basin. Grants will require a 50 percent local match.

“We are pleased that funds are being made available for this grant program,” said David Lytle, state forester and chief of the Division of Forestry. “These funds will help EAB-affected communities remove hazardous ash trees, as well as help restore their lost canopy cover.”

Since the emerald ash borer was first discovered in northwest Ohio in 2003, millions of ash trees have been killed by this devastating invasive insect, which can claim the life of an otherwise healthy, mature tree in as little as one year. Due to the insect’s spread, many northwest Ohio communities are now confronted with the costly expense of dead ash tree removal and replacement. 

The scope of this Western Lake Erie Basin EAB Community Grant project is specifically targeted to Ohio counties also designated for the Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a key watershed program that ODNR and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service have already targeted for enhanced landowner and customer assistance. Targeted counties include: Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Lorain, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.

To access the Western Lake Erie Basin EAB Community Grant instructions and application form, go to http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/22104/Default.aspx or e-mail drew.todd@dnr.state.oh.us or call (614) 265-6707. Applications must be submitted electronically no later than the close of business on December 15.

Healthy, safe and functional trees improve our cities and towns by enhancing clean air and water, increasing property values, reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, providing wildlife habitat, moderating temperature, lessening energy demands, and offering year-round enjoyment. For more information of the many benefits of trees, urban tree care and the Western Lake Erie Basin Emerald Ash Borer initiative, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com. 

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For more information, contact:
Drew Todd, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 6707
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860