September 28, 2011
Email Memo
From: Brad Meyer, Public Service Manager, Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
Due to the recent finding of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) we have received notice that an influx of vendors/contractors have begun going door to door again contacting residents claiming to have “correct or more accurate” information on the effects of the EAB infestation on Saint Paul’s ash trees. These vendors/contractors are not authorized by the City of Saint Paul, or the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
We need your help in spreading the word that residents may be contacted or visited by these companies (that have an opportunity for financial gain), and are acting on their own accord and have not been contracted by the City to go door to door. If contacted by one of these companies, residents can request identification, and if the company claims to work for the City of Saint Paul or identifies themselves as a contractor of the City of Saint Paul, please take their name and business they represent, and report them to City Forestry at 651-632-5129. All City Forestry staff carry identification, or can be confirmed by contacting the City Forestry office.
If the vendor does not identify themselves as working for the City, residents can certainly make their own decision on the products they may be selling for private use. Residents who wish to educate themselves on the alternatives for their private ash trees can visit www.stpaul.gov/eab for more information, and if residents wish to learn more about insecticide options visit the USDA’s website: www.emeraldashborer.info
To help ensure residents are choosing the best option for them, all work done on a homeowners property should be done by a certified arborist. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the City’s Forestry hotline at: 651-632-5129 or email: forestry@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Regards,
Brad
Brad Meyer
Public Service Manager
Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
25 W. 4th Street, 400 CHA
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Office: 651.266.6377
Cell: 651.894.3258
Email: Brad.Meyer@ci.stpaul.mn.us