Tree Removal, Plantings by Three Rivers Park District in Maple Grove

Since May 1, the Three Rivers Park District Forestry crews have been removing trees along a section of the Rush Creek Regional Trail along 101st Avenue between Jefferson Highway and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. 

The trees are being removed in response to the emerald ash borer, according to the Three Rivers Park District.

The removal is part of a plan by the district to remove approximately 2,000 ash trees in areas such as picnic areas, campgrounds and regional trail corridors.

"The work is part of a planned effort to rejuvenate the landscape along this corridor and to remove vulnerable trees before they die and become extremely hazardous," Three Rivers Parks said in a press release. "This work is being done in stages along the whole trail corridor over a period of several years."  

Shrubs and other native species will replace the trees that are removed. 

“Sadly, it is almost certain that these trees would fall victim to the emerald ash borer if left in place. No one likes to cut down healthy trees, but by working on this over a period of years, we can get new trees and shrubs growing now. We have also removed some non-native Norway maples as well as some silver maples which were crowding the trail,” said Paul Kortebein, Senior Manager of Forestry for Three Rivers Park District.

The district says the plan is "more consistent" with the way Three Rivers manages other natural areas in the Park District and anticipates "long-term savings" on the costs of managing the trail corridor.