As EAB continues to spread across the Western Lake Erie Basin, an increasing number of homeowners are now confronted with unexpected and cost-prohibitive EAB-killed ash tree removal expenses. Costs to safely remove these now dangerous ash trees by certified arborists range anywhere between $200 and $5,000 per tree...an expense beyond many household budgets.
A toppled tree shows the danger posed from large deteriorating or dead trees within residential neighborhoods.
Through a grant to WSOS, an established and effective non-profit organization that works with Northwest Ohio communities, a Residential Ash Tree Removal Initiative which provides cost share assistance for the removal of hazardous ash trees from properties within Erie, Lucas, Wood, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Lorain counties is underway. For specific details, visit the WSOS website or contact Cindy Brookes Watershed Specialist at CABROOKES@wsos.org or 419. 334. 5016 or 800. 775. 9767.
The WSOS Community Action Commission has worked in these counties since 1965 to administer programs and support services to individuals, families, and communities. Established in response to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, WSOS was created to aid in the war on poverty. Their established protocols for identifying low-income families for assistance, and their proven track record in delivering assistance within the target area make them an ideal partner for this pilot project.