Decorah City Forester has resigned

Decorah's City Forester, Drew Stevenson, has resigned, effective immediately.

Stevenson has been City Forester for the last 11 years,  In a statement in a news release, Decorah Park-Rec Director Andy Nimrod said, "The city forester is a position we rely on for guidance as the city looks to develop a response and plan--not only for the (emerald) ash borer, but general urban canopy health and maintenance.  Drew's knowledge will be missed."

Stevenson noted that the city's urban forest will change dramatically over the next five years, especially in regards to the Emerald Ash Borer.  The City of Decorah is in the midst of a tree inventory in addition to preparing a response plan for Emerald Ash Borer.

The City Forester is a part-time position, appointed by the city council and supervised by both the Park-Rec Department and the Street Department.  At this time the city council has not determined a process to hire another city forester.