Council adds zoo to city response on eucalyptus pest, asks departments to report back

The Los Angeles City Council on a unanimous vote amended a motion to broaden a citywide response to an invasive insect that city speakers said is severely damaging eucalyptus trees, and asked involved departments to report back with options that are environmentally safe and avoid introducing new ecosystem elements.

Councilmember Kausk, who moved the amendment, told colleagues she wanted to add the zoo to the list of agencies engaged in a response because eucalyptus trees provide food for some zoo animals. She said the proposal would have city departments coordinate with state agencies and report on possible measures and modest budget implications for biological controls.

Other council members urged the motion also cover Elysian Park and riverbank trees in the Valley, where the parasite has been reported along the LA River. One speaker noted that a natural enemy to the parasite exists in Australia but that seasonal timing complicates any direct importation, meaning near-term measures are needed to keep trees alive long enough for a long-term solution.

The council approved the amendment and related action by a roll-call tally recorded as 15 ayes. The motion directs Street Services, Recreation and Parks, and the zoo to consult with state officials and return with recommended, environmentally safe options and any funding implications.

The council discussion did not specify dollar amounts for proposed responses; the record notes only that there could be “modest budget implications.” The council did not adopt a specific treatment at the meeting and asked departments to report back with options and impacts.