Help Protect Portland’s Ash Trees and Watch for Emerald Ash Borer

News Article
Photo of an Emerald Ash Borer on a leaf
This page provides information about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Portland Parks & Recreation's EAB Management Plan.
Published

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a highly destructive invasive beetle that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in the U.S. since it was first detected in Michigan in 2002. This past summer, the first observance of EAB on the West Coast occurred in Forest Grove, Oregon. Although not yet detected in Portland, City staff have been working in close collaboration with a statewide EAB Task Force led by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Invasive Species Council to monitor EAB and prepare for the infestation.

Portland Parks & Recreation is currently:

  • Developing an EAB Management Plan to provide guidance for property managers and City staff
  • Working on policy and permitting updates to ensure ash trees are handled properly to reduce the spread of EAB
  • Training City field staff in EAB identification and reporting
  • Providing education for community members to care for healthy ash trees and assist in monitoring efforts
Photo of two Emerald Ash Borers hiding in bark on a tree
Adult emerald ash borer emerge from D-shaped exit holes in the bark along the trunks of ash trees in late spring/early summer. Photo credit: Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

To support monitoring, Urban Forestry developed an interactive map of ash trees using data from  Portland’s ongoing Park and Street Tree Inventories. Although the map does not include ash trees located on private property or in natural areas, it can help you find and monitor ash trees planted along the street or in developed parks.

How can you help?

  1. Check the map and identify whether there are any ash trees near where you live, work, or play.
  2. Learn to identify ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees and signs of EAB.
  3. Report suspected observations of EAB by calling 1-866-INVADER or reporting online.
  4. Don't Move Firewood! Buy or obtain your firewood as locally as possible. Even moving firewood from one town to the next could provide EAB with a free ride and increase the spread
  5. If you have ash trees, take care of them. EAB is most attracted to trees that are stressed.
  6. Don’t plant new ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Even ash trees as small as 1 inch in caliper can provide habitat for EAB. Use Urban Forestry’s tree planting lists to help you plant the right tree in the right place.     

For more information and updates on EAB in Portland, go to Urban Forestry’s EAB info page or contact Urban Forestry’s Tree Hotline at trees@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-TREE(8733).