Des Moines area residents are in need of more than merely storm cleanup as they work to recover from a destructive derecho storm. | Pixabay
Des Moines area residents are in need of more than merely storm cleanup as they work to recover from a destructive derecho storm. | Pixabay
Over two months after the derecho devastated much of central Iowa, as well as Des Moines, cleanup efforts from the various departments involved is continuing, according to an Oct. 14 press release from the City of Des Moines.
The Des Moines Public Works Department recently wrapped up curbside collection, having removed 9,371 truckloads worth of limbs and debris from across the city.
The derecho cleanup efforts must continue on, however. Urban Forestry Project Manager Shane McQuillan said that the City Forestry Division is only up to 70% finished with city tree cleanup, and is calling for Des Moines residents to report any tree hazards or damage that has not yet been addressed.
“It really was an all-hands-on-deck job for the whole Public Works Department,” McQuillan said. "We’ve addressed the most hazardous and dangerous issues following the derecho, and now we’re working on addressing all of the trees that were damaged in the storm."
With the city having lost hundreds of trees to the derecho, plus normal tree mortality rates and battles with the Emerald Ash Borer, McQuillan said that the Forestry Division will put a strong focus on planting new trees to restore and maintain the Des Moines canopy.
Tree hazards can be reported to Public Works by calling (515)-283-4950 or with the myDSMmobile application.
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