Assignment 1
1. An environmental problem that Ohio is currently facing and has dealt with for an extended period of time is the invasion of Emerald Ash Borer. The ash tree-killing insect was brought to the United States from Asia and has been recorded in the state since 2003. Ohio has over 3.8 billion ash trees and the pest is a severe threat to their livelihood. Emerald Ash Borer originally was observed near Toledo, but has expanded to nearly all four corners of the state. A quarantine was placed when the insect first showed up, but due to the inability to contain it, it was lifted and individuals are simply advised to be cautious when transporting their firewood.
Trees that are infected by the insect will perish within three to five years. The tree bark provides the nesting …show more content…
The EAB issue greatly affects individuals involved in the forestry/timber industry. With nearly 4 billion ash trees in the state, the tree species makes up approximately 10% of tree cover. The value of the ash standing timber is estimated to be over $1 billion. With these trees lost, the industries will greatly suffer and products made from ash will decline in numbers. With a quarantine put in place for a number of years, the economy of sawmills, nurseries, and firewood dealers also saw negative impacts and a decline in business. Another group of individuals that are affected are home and property owners. If individuals have any ash trees that have become infected and are no longer living and performing ecosystem functions, they can become a hazard on their property. These dead trees must be removed, which can cause problems for municipal budgets, as well as for the landowner. It may cost in excess of $1,000 to remove a large ash tree, or even more if they choose to revive the tree with annual insecticide treatments. EAB and the death of the state’s ash trees also affects society as a
1. An environmental problem that Ohio is currently facing and has dealt with for an extended period of time is the invasion of Emerald Ash Borer. The ash tree-killing insect was brought to the United States from Asia and has been recorded in the state since 2003. Ohio has over 3.8 billion ash trees and the pest is a severe threat to their livelihood. Emerald Ash Borer originally was observed near Toledo, but has expanded to nearly all four corners of the state. A quarantine was placed when the insect first showed up, but due to the inability to contain it, it was lifted and individuals are simply advised to be cautious when transporting their firewood.
Trees that are infected by the insect will perish within three to five years. The tree bark provides the nesting …show more content…
The EAB issue greatly affects individuals involved in the forestry/timber industry. With nearly 4 billion ash trees in the state, the tree species makes up approximately 10% of tree cover. The value of the ash standing timber is estimated to be over $1 billion. With these trees lost, the industries will greatly suffer and products made from ash will decline in numbers. With a quarantine put in place for a number of years, the economy of sawmills, nurseries, and firewood dealers also saw negative impacts and a decline in business. Another group of individuals that are affected are home and property owners. If individuals have any ash trees that have become infected and are no longer living and performing ecosystem functions, they can become a hazard on their property. These dead trees must be removed, which can cause problems for municipal budgets, as well as for the landowner. It may cost in excess of $1,000 to remove a large ash tree, or even more if they choose to revive the tree with annual insecticide treatments. EAB and the death of the state’s ash trees also affects society as a