Saint Paul - Infestation with the emerald ash borer is forcing the removal of ash trees along a stretch of I-94 in downtown Saint Paul.

The State of Minnesota began removal of 168 dead and dying ash trees along 11th and 12th Streets between St. Peter and Jackson Streets. Only ash trees will be removed, and plans are in place to minimize disruption to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

The emerald ash borer, (EAB,) is an invasive insect from Asia that has spread quickly and widely in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the United States and Southeastern Canada. There is no fully safe or cost-effective treatment that provides long-term protection for healthy ash trees or a cure for trees already infected.

The removal work is being coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Administration, in cooperation with MnDOT and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, (CAAPB.)

MnDOT and the CAAPB are working to design replacement plantings for these areas. The tree selection will include a variety of species to increase the diversity of trees found in downtown Saint Paul. Tree selection will consider several factors, including tolerance to harsh city conditions, climate resilience, and beneficial features such as air pollution mitigation and shade.