The Rural Ash Monitoring Project provides a baseline against which to measure changes in ash (Fraxinus spp.) tree health in Michigan. This is especially important due to the presence of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), which poses a serious threat to the health and sustainability of the ash resource. Seventy-four rural plots were installed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from 2003 to 2005, and a full revisit of all plots was completed during 2006. Information on height, diameter, and crown conditions was gathered for all monitored ash trees, and changes in overall ash health were evaluated. This long-term project will provide a changing ash tree health background against which we can measure the overall impacts of the emerald ash borer on rural ash trees in Michigan.