November 10, 2011

As if cash-poor local governments didn't have enough problems, destructive insects are wreaking havoc on trees and municipal budgets. According to the Kiplinger Letter, invasive insects are ravaging vulnerable trees, and local governments are paying the cost to cut down damaged trees. According to this report, the emerald ash borer from Asia, is alone costing the Midwest about $850 million per year. As foreign trade grows, so does the invasion. There are at least 450 known species casing trouble. Researchers and federal regulators are making progress building better safeguards at ports to keep the bugs out and identifying them quickly so they can be quarantined.

George Rothert