Home / Environment / Thunder Bay Battles Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
Thunder Bay Battles Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
16 Jun
Summary
- Emerald ash borers have been present in Thunder Bay since 2016.
- City removed 626 ash trees in 2024 and 518 in 2025 due to infestation.
- Thunder Bay is planting new trees to diversify its urban forest.
Thunder Bay is escalating its battle against the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation, a persistent issue since 2016. Urban forester Aaron Brecka notes the increasing presence of EAB, leading to significant tree removals. In 2024, 626 ash trees were removed, followed by 518 in 2025, with removals generally rising year over year.
Despite a temporary dip in removals in 2025 due to storm damage response, the city's report indicates a strategic shift towards more removals. This is driven by the EAB population's establishment throughout the community, compromising ash trees and posing public safety risks. While biopesticide injections have been used to prolong tree life, they are not a complete solution.
To foster a resilient urban ecosystem, Thunder Bay is actively replanting. The city planted 1,000 new trees in both 2024 and 2025. This initiative aims to create a more diverse tree population, mitigating the impact of EAB and ensuring the long-term health of the city's green spaces.
