Section of the Escarpment Rail Trail closed for removal of Ash trees

HAMILTON, ON - September 1, 2017 - Beginning next week, approximately 80 dead or dying Ash trees will be removed from along the Escarpment Rail Trail near Limeridge Road. In the interest of public safety, there will be intermittent closures along the trail near Limeridge Road between Tuesday, September 5, 2017 and Friday, September 15, 2017, weather permitting.

Cyclists and pedestrians using the trail can go around the closure through Mohawk Sports Park.

All trees being removed are at least 80 per cent dead due to infestation by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Each tree that is removed will be replaced with a new species of tree to help replace and diversify Hamilton’s urban forest. Crews will continue to remove dead or dying Ash trees throughout the City over the coming years as required.

Quick Facts

• The EAB has the potential to destroy Hamilton’s entire Ash tree population within the next five to 10 years.
• In 2012, Hamilton City Council approved a plan to remove all impacted municipally owned Ash trees over a period of 10 years. The City assesses the trees and prioritizes their removal based on the risk they pose to public safety or property.
• City of Hamilton and Hamilton Conservation Authority staff regularly inspect parks, trails, road allowances and conservation areas to assess potential tree hazards.
• The EAB is native to China and Eastern Asia and is believed to have killed millions of trees in the United States and Canada to date. Billions of trees across North America are at risk of infestation and death due to the EAB. It poses a major environmental threat to urban trees and forested areas in Hamilton.
• EAB adults are metallic green, 8.5 to 13.5 mm long and slender. The head is flattened with black compound eyes that cover most of the side of the head. Short antennae extend from the face then curve back to just past the eyes. The upper side of the abdomen is copper to purplish and is visible when the wings are open.
• The EAB is able to attack and kill healthy trees and all native Ash species. All sizes are at risk. EAB larvae have been found in branches as small as 1.1 cm in diameter. Ash trees are widespread in Canada and the United States, both in natural and urban settings, and Green Ash is one of the most commonly found species in the urban forest.
• Hamilton is within an area regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Infested areas are regulated to slow the spread of the insect, and to protect the health of Canada’s trees and forests.   

Additional Resources

City of Hamilton Emerald Ash Borer information
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Emerald Ash Borer information