Ames Southdale Drive Closed To Parking For Ash Tree Removal On July 28 To 29

Press release from the City of Ames:

July 23, 2020

All parking on Southdale Drive will be prohibited on Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29, to provide tree crews room to safely take down and remove ash trees in the public-right-of-way. The tree work is expected to be completed by the end of the day Wednesday, July 29, weather dependent.

“These ash trees are being removed as part of the city’s 20-year Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Response Plan. The City of Ames is currently in year seven of that plan. It is unfortunate the trees must be removed, but by spreading removals out over 20 years, the City can manage the financial impacts of EAB responsibly and ensure the safety of our residents. We will replant trees in or near the locations of where the trees will be removed sometime next fall,” said Paul Tauke, City Forester.

During the tree-removal process, residents should avoid parking cars in their driveway if there are ash trees marked with an “X” that have branches hanging over that driveway.

“We want to make sure we can get the work done as quickly and safely as possible so we can minimize the inconvenience to residents and ensure that their vehicles are not damaged,” Tauke added.

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 16,000 trees, 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional and wellness programs. Indoor programs are offered year-round at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, and Municipal Pool.

For more information, go to the Parks and Recreation homepage at www.amesparkrec.org or call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.