Ash trees to be removed from portions of regional trails this winter


The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) plans to remove ash trees from portions of the abandoned railroad/trail corridor this winter.

HCRRA is removing ash trees in order to avoid a large number of standing dead trees on the property that could become hazardous to trail users and neighboring properties. Some ash trees from HCRRA corridors have been removed in the past, but as the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer gets worse, areas with a high density of ash trees will require more intensive removals.

HCRRA will work to replant trees where possible, but there will be areas with significant changes to the tree canopy, especially before other vegetation – planted and naturally occurring – can fill in.  

Information on Emerald Ash Borer can be found at the links below:
Emerald ash borer in Minnesota | UMN Extension
Emerald Ash Borer Homeowner Insecticide Guide (state.mn.us)
Trees and forestry | Hennepin County

Please send questions or concerns to hcrra@hennepin.us. Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we battle Emerald Ash Borer together!