City takes preemptive step to stave off EAB

Seven dying and damaged ash trees were removed from Hampton’s Waterworks Park recently in an effort to rid the area of unwanted growth.
     The ongoing project will help protect the park from disease and pests, particularly the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The invasive beetle hasn’t been confirmed in Hampton or Franklin County yet, but officials want to keep it at bay as long as possible by removing vulnerable trees.
     “It’s a good project,” said Public Works Director Doug Tarr. “We aren’t clear cutting the park and don’t want folks to worry that we aren’t going to replace these trees.”  
     Read the full article in the March 18 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.