The Town of Bristol, in partnership with RI Department of Transportation and RI Energy, will participate in an Emerald Ash Borer remediation program to ensure public safety and help to stop the spread of an invasive species.
The Emerald Ash Borer is a larvae that has slowly made its way to the northeast since its discovery in the United States in 2002.
The larvae infests Ash trees causing the tree to wither and die.
Once weakened, the trees can pose a public safety hazard.
Treatment to prevent the larvae from infesting the trees is unsuccessful.
With numerous ash trees in Town already weakened by the larvae, the best course of action is to remove the trees.
Currently, 66 trees have been identified as a ‘severe threat’, ‘moderate threat’, or ‘slight threat’ due to their condition. These are located on Ferry Road, Hope Street and Michael Drive.
Under the partnership agreement, the identified trees will be removed by a professional tree service under the direction of RI Energy at no cost to the Town of Bristol.
Crews from Bristol’s Department of Public Works, RIDOT and RI Energy will will collect the wood from the cut sites and RIDOT will haul the discarded wood from Town.
Once the infected trees have been removed, the Town will remove the stumps and replace the trees.
Work will begin on Ferry Road in the beginning of June.
Residents are asked for their patience and precautions as some of the work may impede travel along Ferry Road, Hope Street and in the Michael Drive neighborhood.
Where necessary, flaggers will be present to assist in traffic control and safety.
The project leaders have planned to complete the project as quickly as possible so as not to interfere with the Town’s Fourth of July activities.