FORTY COMMUNITIES, PROVINCE TAKE ACTION AGAINST DUTCH ELM DISEASE

Saskatchewan Environment is partnering with 40 cities, towns and villages across the province to share the costs of combating Dutch elm disease. The program is part of the province's overall Dutch elm disease management plan.

Costs for prevention activities such as tree pruning and spraying are shared equally between Saskatchewan Environment and the partner community. The program may also cover public education, equipment purchases, the establishment of wood disposal sites, staff training and diversification by planting a variety of tree species.

"The disease is well established in the province. It is important for us to work with local communities to manage the disease," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "Elms are an important urban shade tree in communities throughout Saskatchewan and, with proper management, we can maintain a healthy elm population for future generations to enjoy."

The provincial program focuses on urban centres with large populations of American elm. Disease-free buffer zones are maintained around Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Tisdale, Indian Head and Fort Qu'Appelle. Within these zones, diseased trees are removed and the healthy trees are sprayed to control elm bark beetles, the insects that spread the disease.

The province's Dutch elm disease surveillance program will operate again this summer, with plans to survey 43 communities for infected trees and elm firewood, both of which can harbour elm bark beetles. Most of these communities will be surveyed twice during the summer. Larger communities, such as Saskatoon and Regina, carry out their own surveys.

If diseased trees are found during the first round of surveillance they will be removed during the last part of July. Early detection, prompt removal and the proper disposal of infected trees are important parts of effective disease management. It is also critical to observe the rules dealing with elm firewood; buying, storing and transporting elm firewood can spread the disease and is illegal.

Public awareness and co-operation continue to be important parts of the management program. If you have questions or suspect a tree has Dutch elm disease, call 1-800-SASKELM or visit our web site at www.se.gov.sk.ca/forests and click on Forest Health.

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For More Information, Contact:

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