Ash Tree Removal on Trails

EAB was first detected in Ontario in 2002 and has since spread rapidly across the province. It is commonly spread through the movement of infested firewood, logs, or untreated wood products.

Municipal staff and qualified arborists identify infested ash trees by looking for signs such as canopy thinning, bark splitting, epicormic shoots (sprouts), D-shaped exit holes, and the presence of the beetles or larvae under the bark.

In many cases, once symptoms are visible, the tree is already severely compromised. While there are insecticide treatments available, they are expensive, require repeated applications, and are typically only used in high-value urban areas. These treatments are not practical or cost-effective for large, naturalized trail systems.

No. EAB specifically targets ash trees. However, the removal of infected ash trees opens up the forest canopy and allows other native species to regenerate and fill the space.

At this time, this is a focused removal project scheduled for fall 2025. However, municipal staff will continue to monitor and assess the trail system, and future projects will be included in the Capital Budget for Council’s consideration.

Work is expected to begin in mid-September 2025 and will continue for several weeks. The timeline may be affected by weather conditions or contractor availability.

The work will occur during daylight hours to ensure the safety of the tree service’s workers. However, the work sites will remain restricted to public access 24/7 until the project is completed.

Yes. Certain trail sections will be closed during the project for safety reasons. Trail remediation will be completed following tree removal, in accordance with the municipal contract, and trails will be restored to suitable standards before reopening. Project signage and updates will be posted at various trail access points.

In most cases, no.

• Trees within 10 metres of the trail will be felled or topped to minimize damage to nearby trees. Brush will be chipped away from the trail, and larger timber will be cut and neatly stacked away from the trail.
• Trees 10 to 30 metres from the trail will be felled and left in place to decompose naturally, supporting ecological integrity and forest regeneration.

Leaving the wood on site promotes the natural decomposition process, which enriches the soil, encourages understorey growth, and contributes to overall forest regeneration and biodiversity. Removing large volumes of wood could also disturb the forest floor and increase erosion. The topography of the work site also poses significant challenges for timber removal as part of this project.

Not as part of this project. Instead, natural light exposure will encourage the regrowth of native vegetation and support the health of the understorey.

Forestry equipment, including skid steers and chippers, will be used throughout the project. A laydown area for equipment and parking will be established at the end of Scott Street. Public access to this area will be restricted during the project.

The SVCA is a partner in this project to provide support ensuring that work complies with environmental and watershed regulations. Their involvement ensures the work is conducted responsibly and in alignment with conservation best practices.

Updates will be shared through the Municipality of Kincardine website and social media posts. Residents are encouraged to check regularly for trail closure notices, progress updates, and other relevant information.