PROVINCE, COMMUNITIES JOIN TO FIGHT DUTCH ELM DISEASE

Thirty-three cities, towns and villages across the province have joined forces with Saskatchewan Environment to combat the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

Through the province's cost-share program, the province and the community split the cost of DED management activities such as tree pruning and basal spraying. Public education, staff training and planting a variety of tree species can also be funded through the program.

"Efforts at the community level are critical for successful DED management," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We are very pleased with the continuing participation in this program."

The program focuses on urban centres with large numbers of American elm trees. Disease-free buffer zones have been established around Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Tisdale and Fort Qu'Appelle. The Regina and Moose Jaw buffer zones are being expanded this year.

The province's DED surveillance program will begin in late June, when symptoms typically begin showing, and continue until mid-August. Saskatchewan Environment crews will survey 43 communities for infected trees and elm firewood, both of which can harbour the beetles that spread the disease. It is illegal to transport, store or buy elm firewood. Larger communities, including Regina, Yorkton, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Moose Jaw, will conduct their own DED surveys.

The province also runs a toll-free DED information line. Anyone who has questions or concerns about their elm trees can call 1-800-SASKELM.

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For More Information, Contact:

Steve Hyde Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-6515 Email: shyde@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)230-5541