The County of Renfrew has raised several concerns about designating Black Ash endangered.
Black Ash was added to the endangered list in 2019-2020.
Species that are classified as endangered or threatened are automatically protected from being killed, harmed or harassed.
According to Renfrew County Forester Lacey Rose, the decision to add Black Ash to the endangered list could have detrimental implications for local forestry, trails, public works and development.
Rose provided an update on forest health in Renfrew County to elected representatives at the most recent County Council meeting (October 28th, 2021).
She adds protecting Black Ash from humans will not protect them from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and suggested accelerating biological control methods such as the use of parasitic wasps.
Rose said Renfrew County has been mailed these parasitic wasps to help control the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
She told members of county council there is no other way to control the invasive species on a large scale.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first recorded in Renfrew County in 2013.
Rose says there’s not many species of Ash that can survive the EAB.
Rose says the EAB can be seen in Arnprior and Renfrew, along the south part of Highway 17 and recently along Highway 60 as far as Deacon.
Rose says highways are a corridor to spread the invasive species with people bringing dead trees from homes to cottages and EAB larvae hitching a ride.
Other concerns with listing Black Ash as endangered are due to the fact that the trees are common and abundant in road and trail ditches, which are subject to frequent brushing for safety and maintenance.
Death and decline of Black Ash due to EAB has also lead to necessary removal of the trees along public roadways and in semi-urban environments and parks for public safety.
Rose adds not being able to cut the trees can also create hazardous conditions.
If the dead or dying trees are left uncut because of process, trails would have to be closed as a matter of public safety.
Requiring permits to cut Black Ash could also slow development in Renfrew County.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has proposed a regulation that would temporarily suspend protections for Black Ash under the Endangered Species Act for two years from
the time the species is added to the Species at Risk in Ontario list.
The County of Renfrew plans to submit feedback prior to the November 7, 2021 deadline and is asking that Black Ash not be listed as an endangered species in Ontario.