The Emerald ash borer, a beetle native to Asia, was first
detected in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. The EAB has since been
detected in many U.S. states, and in Canada. Locals are now
worried about the invasive insect reaching Nebraska, as it was
recently found as close as Kansas City. Officials are asking
residents to help save ash trees, the species of tree the EAB
could destroy. The Hastings Parks and Recreation department is
inspecting and removing declining ash trees along terraces and
in parks, to slow down the spread of the EAB if it arrives. The
removal of trees will also reduce the cost of treating infested
trees once the pest arrives. As they remove ash trees volunteers
will plant replacement trees. The city's director of Parks and
Recreation, Jeff Hassenstab, said, "Any ash tree that's in good
condition, we will try and save . . . the emerald ash borer
isn't here yet, if we take down the ones that are declining, we
can prevent the spread of the EAB, if it does come to Nebraska."
Members of the Hasti