Assessment of the Potential Environmental Impact of a Green Ash Borer Infestation in Denver, Colorado

Date of Award

3-19-2009

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Organizational Unit

University College, Environmental Policy and Management

Disciplines

Environmental Policy & Mgmt

First Advisor

Kathy Flanagan

Keywords

Ash borer infestation, Ash infestation, Emerald ash borer, Environmental impact, Denver, Colorado

Abstract

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) threatens forest resources in the US. This paper investigates the potential environmental impacts of an 85% ash species population reduction due to an A. planipennis infestation in Denver. Two sample inventories targeting ash species trees were taken: a complete sample and a subsample. This data was entered into the iTree STRATUM modeling application to quantify the resource function, structure, and value of the sample populations. The change in environmental benefits and values evident when comparing the complete sample population and the subsample population represents the change in environmental impacts an EAB infestation would exhibit on Denver's ecosystem. Results indicate increased energy consumption, reduced air quality, increased stormwater runoff, reduced carbon cycling, and reduced aesthetics in the sample area.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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