SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls again is designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation honoring the City's commitment to effective urban forest management.
Sioux Falls met four rquirements for the recognition: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
State Forester Greg Josten says the management plan includes preparing for the eventual arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer and for good reason.
Josten says ash trees makeup 30% to 50% of the tree population in South Dakota towns and cities. He says ash trees are native to South Dakota and grow readily on riverbanks.
Josten says if and when the emerald ash borer arrives in South Dakota the cost of control will easily eclipse the money spent on pine beetle control in the Black Hills.
Today is National Arbor Day.