Following the City of Fargo’s recent announcement confirming the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) within city limits, the Fargo Park District is providing an update on its ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the impacts of this invasive insect across Fargo’s park system.
Emerald ash borer was first detected in the Fargo–Moorhead area in 2023, prompting the Fargo Park District to begin active mitigation efforts at that time. While the recent detection within Fargo was anticipated, the Park District has been proactively preparing for this threat for several years as part of its long-term urban forestry strategy and stewardship.
The Fargo Park District manages more than 26,000 trees across parks, trails, and green spaces throughout the city. Approximately 3,500 or 14% of those trees are ash trees. For more than a decade, the Park District Forestry team has worked to diversify tree species and remove ash trees in poor condition to reduce risk and strengthen the overall health of the park canopy.
Since 2023, the Park District’s emerald ash borer mitigation strategy has focused on two primary actions: removing smaller ash trees measuring eight inches or less in diameter at breast height and preserving healthy, mature ash trees through targeted chemical treatments. Removed trees are replaced the following year with a variety of species to support long-term resilience.
To date, the Park District has chemically treated 1,308 ash trees on a 3-year rotation, with additional treatments planned in 2026. This approach allows the Park District to maintain a healthy ash tree population while responsibly managing the impacts of emerald ash borer over time.
“This is not a reactive response,” said Sam DeMarais, Fargo Park District Forester. “We began preparing for emerald ash borer in 2012. Following the detection of EAB in 2023 in Moorhead, MN the EAB mitigation planned was revised and in April 2025 a new 5-year management plan was enacted.”
The Fargo Park District works closely with the City of Fargo, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, and other partners to coordinate monitoring, treatment, and public education efforts. Maps showing trees scheduled for removal or treatment are available on the Park District website to help residents understand work occurring in the parks. While some tree removals will be visible in the coming years, these actions are part of a thoughtful, long-term plan to ensure Fargo’s parks and green spaces remain safe, healthy, and vibrant.
For more information and updates about emerald ash borer and the Fargo Park District’s mitigation efforts, visit our Projects page.
