Contact: Nancy Heck 
   E-Mail: nheck@carmel.in.gov
    Phone: (317) 571-2494

Nancy Heck 
The Department of Community Relations

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City of Carmel
One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032

Media Advisory

Date:           February 4, 2008
Contact:      Nancy Heck (317) 571-2494
Release:     Immediate

Public Meeting to Discuss Emerald Ash Borer
and the Benefits of Trees

What:
Presentations to cover the Emerald Ash Borer in Indiana and Benefits of Trees

When:
Tuesday, March 4th at 7 p.m.

Where:
Carmel Clay Public Library at 55 Fourth Avenue SE, (across Main Street from Carmel High School). In the first floor program room.

Who:
Carmel citizens, local and surrounding area residents, homeowner association leadership, and the general public are invited.

Background:
The Emerald Ash Borer, a new exotic beetle was discovered feeding on Ash trees in Carmel/Clay Township on Hazel Dell Parkway in January 2006.

Highlights of the presentations will include:

· The Emerald Ash Borer in Indiana - Information about the insect’s life cycle, its origin, it’s effects of trees, where it has been found in North America, possible treatments, and the current local and state quarantine.

· The environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees – Trees provide millions of dollars in energy savings, carbon storage, and stormwater retention. Trees provide sustainable environmental benefits and contribute to the physical and psychological health of people and communities. Trees also have an impact on increasing property values over time.

This presentation will be given by the City’s Urban Forestry staff, who plan and install street trees and other landscaping in public spaces in Carmel. The City is responsible for maintenance of trees within the public right-of-way and public service easement. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet members of the City of Carmel Urban Forestry Committee, a volunteer organization that assists the City in the development and administration of a comprehensive community tree management program.

Emerald Ash Borer larvae feed below the bark of ash trees, producing galleries that eventually girdle and kill the tree. In an ongoing effort to control the spread of the Emerald Ash borer, the Urban Forestry Department wants to educate the citizens that may be affected by the pest. The City of Carmel has been awarded $6,950 in funds from a Community Tree Planting Partnership Grant to be used toward reforestation efforts to replace ash trees in conjunction with management efforts against the Emerald Ash Borer along Hazel Dell Parkway. The Community Tree Planting Partnership was formed by the Indiana DNR, Division of Forestry and ALCOA Foundations to assist municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in purchasing and planting trees on public property.

Carmel has been recognized as a Tree City USA since 1994, and also been awarded several Tree Growth Awards for special projects from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

“Carmel prides itself on its attention to green space and our environment. We realize the important role trees play in cleaning our air, conserving soil and adding beauty and charm to our community greatly enhancing our quality of life,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.

The City’s Urban Forestry staff would like to encourage the public to attend this free public meeting to increase awareness and understanding of the vital role the urban forest plays in our community.

Further information can be found on the web at the City of Carmel’s Urban Forestry website: http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/services/DOCS/DOCSUF.htm

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