PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - T. Davis Sydnor AU - Matthew Bumgardner AU - Sakthi Subburayalu TI - Community Ash Densities and Economic Impact Potential of Emerald Ash Borer (<em>Agrilus planipennis</em>) in Four Midwestern States AID - 10.48044/jauf.2011.012 DP - 2011 Mar 01 TA - Arboriculture &amp; Urban Forestry (AUF) PG - 84--89 VI - 37 IP - 2 4099 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/37/2/84.short 4100 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/37/2/84.full AB - A survey of 586 community representatives with urban tree canopy responsibilities was conducted to provide data on ash density within four states in the Midwestern U.S., and to examine potential economic losses should emerald ash borer (EAB) become established in their communities. One hundred twenty-three responses were received from communities of various sizes. Data represented 10.5% of the population of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, U.S., and 21% of all communities surveyed. Assuming the complete loss of ash due to EAB, losses in landscape value for ash trees within community boundaries were estimated to be between USD $7.7 (median-based) and $15 billion (mean-based). The cost to remove those trees is somewhat smaller and would be between $3 and $5.8 billion. Replacing trees lost to EAB with smaller 5 cm trees in street, park, and private plantings would cost between $2.7 and $5.2 billion. The total loss of ash for communities in the four states surveyed, including landscape losses, tree removals, and replacements are estimated to be between $13.4 and $26 billion. The potential total costs per 1,000 residents in the four-state region is estimated to be between $395,943 and $769,687. The rates per 1,000 residents estimates can be utilized by communities to begin developing contingency plans should EAB impact them.