The city of South Portland is launching an intervention plan against the invasive emerald ash borer.
The beetle, which has killed millions of ash trees across the country, first appeared in the U.S. more than 20 years ago. It established in Maine in 2018.
South Portland will undertake an inventory of all ash trees on city property and will remove those that are dead, dying, or poorly sited.
Affected ash trees that are still in good condition will be treated with an insecticide in an attempt to salvage them. The city says it will replace any removed trees with another, native species of tree.
Officials say they're using $30,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.
