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Over 7000 mature American elms line the streets of several Fargo neighborhoods. Photo by Allen Lee
• Participating on the ISA Certification Board. I have
met some incredible, knowledgeable, talented, and
dedicated individuals and mentors.
• Enjoying partnerships and professional relationships
that have developed locally and nationally with ISA,
ISA Midwestern Chapter, ND Forest Service, ND Urban
and Community Forestry Association, River Keepers of
Fargo/Moorhead, Fargo Park District, etc. All of these
people have a passion and love for what they do. It's
inspiring.
What are the some of the current priority projects
in Fargo urban forestry?
• One of our highest priorities is preparing for the arrival
of Emerald Ash Borer. In 2012, about 36 percent of our
street tree population was ash. Today, we're at about
30 percent with an aggressive goal of continuing to
increase our diversity so that by 2020, less than 20
percent of our street tree population is ash. Trees are
tough to grow in ND; ash do well which is why, unfortu-
nately, they were heavily planted over the last 30 years.
