A massive tree-clearing could start this week at the Bay City State Recreation Area.
The state park has been battling an emerald ash borer infestation for almost four years, and park manager George Lauinger says state and park officials eventually decided it’s best to get rid of the trees in one fell swoop.
Lauinger says the park will lose more than 500 ash trees—about 75% of all the trees in the park’s main “day use” area. “So we’ll only have about 25% of the trees left, those being other species such as maple and oak,” he says.
A local wood products company will clear the trees over the next two months, and salvage any remaining usable wood.
Lauinger admits the ash tree clearing will radically re-shape the park’s landscape, and says he understands why many people are upset.
“Park staff agrees with the public, that it’s a shame that that many trees have to come down,” he says. “But it has to be done.”
Lauinger says an “aggressive re-planting program” using native species is planned, though the park needs to come up with the funds first.
