PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Parks & Recreation is preparing for the likely arrival of a highly destructive tree pest by implementing a comprehensive response plan aimed at minimizing damage to the city’s urban forest.
Although the Emerald Ash Borer hasn’t been detected in Portland yet, infestations have already been confirmed in nearby Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill and Washington counties.
The insect, an invasive beetle that targets and kills all ash tree species, including the native Oregon ash, has killed more than 100 million trees in the U.S. since it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002. Experts consider it North America’s most destructive forest pest…