PREVENTING DUTCH ELM DISEASE

The partnership between Environment and municipalities continues to be successful in stopping Dutch Elm Disease from making serious advances in the province. Combined efforts have managed to control the spread of the problem in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. In addition, several communities that reported the disease last year have no infections so far.

There have, however, been some increases in the disease. Regina Beach is experiencing its first cases of Dutch Elm Disease. Surveying done this summer shows 10 infected trees in the community to date. The tree nursery near Indian Head is also reporting its first infection.

Some communities have also seen an increase in infections over last year based on the results of the first survey. Lumsden is reporting 53 up from 34, Estevan has 20 up from 17, Katepwa Beach has seven up from one and Fort Qu'Appelle has four, up from one last year. Tisdale has reported two infected trees, the same number as last year.

Buffer zones have been established outside urban centers with significant elm populations. These zones are intensively monitored by the department and infected elms and those that appear to be susceptible to infection are removed before the disease can enter the community. There was a significant increase of infected elms in the Moose Jaw Buffer with about 50 trees identified for removal compared to two last year. The number of infected trees in the Regina Buffer is down and to date four infected trees have been reported within the city.

"In order to quickly remove these sources of infection, we will try to have all identified infected trees removed by the end of July," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "We will continue our efforts to protect Saskatchewan urban elms from this deadly disease."

Many communities are continuing their Dutch Elm Disease management work with financial help from Environment. This includes pruning, spraying and public education.

The public can help in the fight against the disease by having their own elms pruned of dead and dying material and by not storing or transporting elm firewood, which can carry the disease.

Another round of surveying and testing is expected to be complete in the third week in August at which time more information will be made available.

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For More Information, Contact:

Steve Hyde Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-6515 Cell: (306)230-5541