Government Doc: Mankato City Code

Yesterday and I was clambering to figure out how to detail my research for the rest of the class, I looked up the Mankato's city code. I wanted to answer the "So what?" question that many researchers must deal with in order for their findings to have any implication to society outside of their discourse communities. 


Also, I've seen elm trees in Mankato yards flagged with Dutch Elm Disease (that is, several leaves turned yellow, which indicates that the disease will soon kill the tree—arborists call this "flagging"). I even contacted a MSU maintain manager when I saw an elm flagging. This great tree was flagging, and its canopy stretched to shade the parking lot. 


The MSU staff decided to wait instead of taking up my offer to cut the branch and trace the disease. The tree lingered for much longer than I thought it would. For a while I even doubted it was emerald ash borer (EAB). But the next year, the disease took the tree and they cut the whole thing down.


So I figured Mankato didn't have strict laws like Minneapolis and St. Paul does regarding diseased or dangerous trees. After all, Dutch Elm is rampant in this area (especially on the windbrakes and in the ravines). I was wrong! Here's a segment of Mankato City Code 9.73:

Section 9.737, Mankato City Code. Taken from <http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CityCode/Section-9.73.aspx>

When a homeowner's tree first gets Dutch Elm Disease, they have until April 1st of the next year to remove it. But that assumes the tree won't continue to decline, which happens most often (unless there are dry conditions). If the tree loses more than 30 percent of its canopy, the tree needs to be removed in 20 days. 


If the homeowner does not meet this requirement, the forester can "abate the nuisance" (cut it down) and charge the homeowner for it. Depending on the size of the tree, it could cost $1,000 or more (for the biggest trees). Rarely does a Mankato tree removal go for more than this price, even with cranes involved.


So, what are the implications for the ash trees of Mankato? I'm sure when the Emerald Ash Borer hit the city the City Council will update the code here. All the trees they talk about are elm and oaks. So it makes sense they would add ash trees to the rules. 


The other big question is whether or not this code is enforced. Does the forester mark trees on people's property? Maybe he does, but considering the size of the town and the amount of trees with Dutch Elm Disease, I don't imagine he gets involved unless a homeowner is negligent and a neighbor is concerned.


Why didn't I look at this sooner? It would have given my research more meaning, and it might even suggest that the city code be adapted in the future to provide for a possible infestation of EAB. Ah well, more to add into the prospectus during winter break.