Read MyMonona News

Change is the only constant.

The city has been diligently working to clean up and provide deferred maintenance to the San Damiano property. Upon consultation with the City Urban Forester, Parks Staff identified thirty ash trees that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and need to be removed for public safety. The remaining trees on the property will be monitored yearly by the Urban Forester for recommendations on pruning and/or removal, as necessary.

Since June 1, fifteen of those ash trees have been removed with a great deal of that work happening now, during the winter. The wintertime offers a number of advantages including availability of contractors as well as minimizing destruction of the property because of the frozen ground.

Once maintenance is complete along with a finalized plan for the property, additional trees will be planted to replenish the canopy creating a healthier environment for all.

While it's unfortunate trees had to be removed, safety and maintenance of the property as a whole is a priority. Though their life on the property may come to an end, the city's Parks Department mills the trees into lumber for future city projects reusing all that they can, including for mulch in other parks.