October 2, 2006

LANSING - The departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture (MDA) and DTE Energy Foundation yesterday announced a pilot program to assist property owners who lost trees to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. Restoration of Our Trees (ROOT) was developed to restore tree canopy cover in the 21-county quarantined area in southeastern Michigan. Since EAB was discovered in 2002, Governor Jennifer Granholm has called upon the departments to coordinate state response efforts and to explore partnerships at the federal and local levels, as well as private industry.

"This is an excellent program that will help to rejuvenate our urban landscape and support all those who suffered the devastating attack of EAB in Michigan," said Governor Jennifer Granholm.

"It was a very difficult experience for many people who lost trees to EAB, and we are pleased to launch this program to help encourage forest diversity in Michigan," said Rebecca Humphries, DNR Director.

At a press conference held in Howell, Humphries and MDA Director Mitch Irwin recognized ROOT partners and officially kicked off the program by planting a tree.

"The ROOT program will help Michigan homeowners fill the void left by EAB at minimal cost," said Irwin. "Partnership has been a key component in the state’s EAB response effort and this program is an example of what can be achieved when we marshal our resources."

Under a special incentive program underwritten by the DTE Energy Foundation, 1,600 trees of various species will be made available in the spring for a reduced cost to homeowners.

"At DTE Energy, we are well aware of the devastation that the Emerald Ash Borer has caused in Southeastern Michigan," said Fred Shell, Vice President, Corporate and Governmental Affairs, DTE Energy and President of the DTE Energy Foundation. "We have added emphasis on ash tree replacement to our existing Tree Planting Grant Program, and we are happy to sponsor this pilot project which offers assistance to homeowners who want to replace their lost ash trees."

Eight local partners in the 21 EAB-quarantined counties will serve as the local program administrators and regional tree distribution centers for the program. The local partners are Bridgeport Charter Township, City of Grand Blanc, Oakland County Michigan State University Extension, City of Howell, The Greening of Detroit, Monroe Conservation District/Monroe County Michigan State University Extension, City of East Lansing and Calhoun Conservation District. Each local partner will have 200 landscape-quality trees in 7-gallon containers for purchase by residents for approximately $25. Species that will be available include Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Gingko, Tuliptree, Red Oak and Littleleaf Linden. Distribution will be held in April, 2007. Agencies and organizations partnering to make the ROOT Program possible, in addition the DNR, MDA and DTE Energy Foundation include the USDA Forest Service and Ray Wiegand’s Nursery.

Trees can be purchased beginning February 1, 2007. Those interested in the program should contact their local partner. For further information, contact Kerry Gray, EAB Restoration Coordinator, DNR, at 517-241-1833.