FIRST ROUND OF 2005 DUTCH ELM DISEASE SURVEY COMPLETED

A Dutch elm disease survey completed this month has found the disease in several areas of the province.

Communities confirming the presence of Dutch elm disease include Estevan, Carlyle, Melville, Regina, Regina Beach, Lumsden, Fort Qu'Appelle, Katepwa Beach and Carnduff. Infections were also found at the Experimental Farm and the PFRA farm at Indian Head.

"Although the number of infected trees were up in Regina Beach and Katepwa Beach, there were fewer trees infected in the Estevan, Moose Jaw and Regina buffer zones," provincial Dutch elm disease co-ordinator Steve Hyde said.

Buffer zones have been established outside urban centres with significant elm populations to limit the movement of the disease. Infected trees have also been identified in the Estevan and Indian Head buffer zones this year. Many of the trees identified will be removed between now and August 5th when the second survey begins.

While Melville and Carlyle were disease-free last year, infected trees were found there this year. However, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Moosomin, Kamsack, Tisdale and Prince Albert remain disease free to date.

"In order to deal effectively with the disease, communities have to continue to work together to develop and implement management plans," Hyde said. "This year, there are 38 communities participating in agreements with Saskatchewan Environment to share the costs of their management programs."

Healthy elms resist infection better and homeowners should prune their trees regularly but observe the pruning ban from April 1st to August 31st. Due to the risk of spreading the disease, transporting or storing elm firewood is illegal.

For more information about disease prevention, call Saskatchewan Environment's toll-free Dutch elm disease information line at 1-800-SASK ELM (1-800-727-5356).

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For More Information, Contact:

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