Beetle Threat

The beetle known as the emerald ash borer in the next few years posts a threat to all the trees that line the streets of downtown Des Moines. According to research 25 million ash trees have died because of these tiny yet powerful beetles. As of right now the beetle has not been found in Iowa, but has been clearly found in many parts of Illinois and they are spreading rapidly.

"Imagine that many trees. That is a huge issue," Bill Stowe, the city's public works director, said. "It's more than disposing of them. You have to dispose of them in a way that destroys the insect. Burning is not a way that is publicly acceptable." Right now there has been no good way to destroy these insects without destroying these beautiful ash trees which takes away the whole idea of saving the trees. These trees uphold 20 percent of the population of trees and with our problems with global warming this does hold a tremendous danger.

This beetle holds a threat to all of Iowa and its environment which is very saddening. Personally I have many ash trees on my property and I have heard of this oncoming threat. It is disappointing because this tree is very widely popular and I used in many recreational area. Hopefully these next few years will be a test of what we can do to help these popular trees stay popular in the way they have always been.

Walker, Mellisa. “D.M prepares for beetle threat to ash trees.” Des Moines Register. http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071124/NEWS05/711240333/1007/NEWS05 24 November, 2007