Nearly half of the trees on the grounds of the Gateway Arch will
be removed and replaced with a different species. The National
Park Service said Thursday that more than 900 Rosehill ash trees
will be taken out over concerns about the threat posed by the
Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle that has killed millions of ash
trees in 15 states. Officials at the Arch say the ash trees on
the grounds are also showing signs of decline from urban factors
like air pollution and less than ideal soil. No timetable for
the removal is set. Officials plan to replace the ash trees with
a single species despite misgivings by some experts who say that
invites trouble if the replacement species becomes susceptible
to disease or insect infestation. The public was asked for their
input on the plan back in August.