Emerald Ash Borer Information and Resources

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UPDATE 9/25/25: 

Update on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Woodburn

The City continues to actively monitor and respond to the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in our community. Recently, more trees in Wyffels Park, located near the southern end, close to Lincoln Street, were found to have an EAB infestation. These trees are scheduled for removal in October.

In the meantime, here are a few important updates on our efforts:

•            Community Awareness – We continue to share information through our social media channels. With recent reports of EAB spreading into the Portland area, awareness is critical. Experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry have confirmed that eradication is not possible, and the best strategy is known as SLAM (SLow Ash Mortality), which helps communities prepare, respond, and reduce long-term costs. Learn more here: Oregon EAB Information.

•            Ash Tree Inventory – The City is close to finalizing a contract with the Pudding River Watershed Council, whose experts will conduct an ash tree inventory in Woodburn for public right-of-way and city-managed properties. This project will require time and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Once finalized, the data will be available to the public through Oregon TreePlotter, similar to what is already available for larger cities such as Salem and Eugene: TreePlotter Oregon. Property owners are encouraged to learn to identify ash, olive or white fringe trees - all three are susceptible to EAB - or consult with a local tree care provider to determine if you have ash, olive or white fringe trees on your property to discuss treatment options or if removal and replacement is right for you.

•            Grant Funding – The City is preparing two grant applications. If these grants are awarded, they will be used to help cover costs related to the tree inventory, future ash tree removal, and anticipated tree replacement and replanting to mitigate the loss of canopy due to EAB.

•            EAB Response Plan – The City has developed a draft EAB Response Plan, as recommended by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Department of Agriculture. Once finalized, this plan will help guide City staff in prioritizing response areas, identifying ash trees that may be eligible for treatment, and determining those that should be removed immediately to help slow the spread of EAB.

•            The City is committed to keeping the community informed and taking proactive steps to manage the impact of Emerald Ash Borer.  To aid in this, the City will continue to waive the tree removal permit fee for the removal of Ash trees on community member properties.  Marion County remains under quarantine, so please refrain from moving firewood. Buy or collect firewood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect Woodburn’s tree canopy and prepare for the future.

UPDATE 2/25/25: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) 

At last night’s City Council meeting, staff provided an update on the local detection of the Emerald Ash Borer. To slow its spread, the City will begin removing infected ash trees.

**Infected trees were identified in Wyffles Park in August 2024.  They are scheduled to be removed at the end of March 2025.**

While the City did not receive forestry grant funding for mitigation efforts related to the Emerald Ash Borer, it remains committed to exploring alternative funding options to support residents in mitigating and responding to the impacts of EAB. Resources on EAB identification, mitigation, and upcoming events are available at www.OregonEAB.com, including a homeowner pocket guide now in four additional languages.

The City will continue sharing updates and resources as they become available via website, Facebook @city of woodburn, and WoodburnNOW app (available in iphone/android app stores). 

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Information and Resources 

(Information from Oregon Department of Forestry)

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) — commonly called EAB — is a destructive, invasive beetle that infests and kills ash trees (Fraxinus species). EAB has spread across North America since it was first detected in Michigan in 2002, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees. EAB was confirmed in Oregon in 2022, the first known case on the West Coast. Once EAB arrives in an area, it cannot be eradicated —which means it doesn't go away. Even though EAB will kill many ash trees in Oregon, there are steps we can take to slow its spread and limit its impacts.