COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Council Bluffs park officials have decided to treat most of the city’s ash trees to protect them from the invading insect known as the emerald ash borer. Parks Director Larry Foster says the emerald ash borer is an inevitable threat to local ash trees and city crews will begin removing 29 of the unhealthiest trees next year. The city plans to spend nearly $59,000 on removing the unhealthy trees.

The Daily Nonpareil reports state officials say 29 counties in Iowa have reported seeing the insects. Foster says that while the city has plans for the trees on public ground, property owners will need to determine their own course of action to deal with the insect.