DUTCH ELM DISEASE REGULATIONS TO CHANGE

To reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease, pruning of elm trees is now prohibited from April 1st until August 31st throughout Saskatchewan.

Changes to the Dutch Elm Disease Regulations that ban the pruning of elms have extended the ban period. Previously, the ban had been from April 13th to July 31st. Fresh cuts from pruning attract the beetles that can spread the disease and increase the chance of an infection.

Pruning of dead and dying elm branches is encouraged before April 1st and after August 31st.

This helps to reduce beetle breeding habitat and control the beetle population. Prompt and proper disposal of the pruned wood is essential to keep the disease from spreading.

"The ban has been extended as warmer spring and late summer weather has extended the period during which elm beetles are active," Provincial Dutch elm disease program co-ordinator Steve Hyde said. "Complying with the pruning ban will help to protect the elms in our communities."

The regulations have been strengthened to help Saskatchewan Environment and Saskatchewan's municipalities to better manage Dutch elm disease.

Changes to the regulations include:

· Effective April 1st, 2006, commercial tree pruners must have taken recognized training or be under the supervision of someone who has. Improper pruning techniques, can contribute to the spread of disease. The required training takes just a few days, and is available through SIAST;

· Allowing municipalities to appoint inspectors to enforce key aspects of the Dutch elm disease regulations, including pruning and elm wood disposal. This provides municipalities with a critical tool to manage Dutch elm disease within their own jurisdictions; and

· Provincial inspectors, appointed by Saskatchewan Environment, will regulate storage, use and transportation of elm trees and wood for commercial purposes.

For more information about the Dutch Elm Disease Control Regulations and safe elm wood disposal, contact 1-800-SASK ELM (727-5356) or your local municipal authority.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Sheri O'Shaughnessy Saskatchewan Dutch Elm Disease Association Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-5546