City Hall asking for the public's help to 'ReLeaf' Sioux Falls in wake of EAB outbreak

The invasive Emerald Ash Borer could deplete the Sioux Falls tree population by as much as 25 percent over the next decade.

So City Hall is hoping the public will open their wallets to help expedite the process of restocking Sioux Falls parks and boulevards with new trees.

During a news conference Tuesday, Mayor Paul TenHaken announced a new fundraising initiative being called "the ReLeaf Sioux Falls Project."

"It's a very intentional play on words," TenHaken said of the name of the project, which seeks to raise $2.5 million in private dollars over the next five years to fund the planting of up to 40,000 trees.

More:Destructive insect found in Sioux Falls, putting more than 80,000 ash trees at risk

TenHaken said the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation will serve as the "conduit" for the fundraising effort and oversee donations. Sioux Falls marketing agency Lawrence and Schiller is providing marketing materials and will create a dedicated website for "ReLeaf Sioux Falls."

“Since the Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in Sioux Falls, a handful of generous families have offered to help replant our city," TenHaken said, referring to gifts made to the city by Lloyd Companies, Craig Lloyd and the Heineman family that owns the Sioux Falls Skyforce. "Now I’m asking members of the community to join us in helping to beautify our community for future generations by giving to ReLeaf Sioux Falls.”

Parks Director Don Kearney said Sioux Falls residents have a track record of stepping up and providing assistance to the city in times of crisis, and responding to the emerald ash borer outbreak will be yet another example that.

More:What's with the blue 9 markings on your curbside trees? Blame the Emerald Ash Borer

“It’s not every day an epidemic like the Emerald Ash Borer provides an opportunity for the Sioux Falls community to rise up and respond in a big way,” he said.“I hope residents, businesses and organizations consider how they can help contribute to our reforestation efforts.”

Since the ash borer was detected in northern Sioux Falls in May, the city has begun marking ash trees in parks and public right of ways with blue 9s to signify which trees will be cut down in 2019. As many as 3,000 ash trees are targeted for removal between Louise and Cleveland Avenues from 12th Street to 41st Street and more southward areas like a swath of southern Sioux Falls between Minnesota and Cliff Avenues.

Those interested in donating to "ReLeaf Sioux Falls" can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at releaf@siouxfalls.org. Donations can be made at www.siouxfalls.org/releaf.