38 COMMUNITIES, PROVINCE TAKE ACTION AGAINST DUTCH ELM DISEASE

Saskatchewan Environment is partnering with 38 cities, towns and villages across the province to combat Dutch elm disease. The cost-share program is part of Environment's overall Dutch elm disease management plan for the province.

In the 38 communities, costs for prevention activities such as tree pruning and spraying are shared equally between Saskatchewan Environment and the community. Public education, purchasing needed equipment, establishing wood disposal sites, staff training and urban tree diversification by planting a variety of tree species can also be funded through the program.

"Even though the disease is well established in the province and will likely continue to spread, it is important to work together to manage the disease," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "Elm trees are an important part of the landscape in towns and cities throughout Saskatchewan. Proper management can help us minimize losses due to this disease, reduce tree maintenance costs and help maintain a healthy elm population for future generations to enjoy."

Dutch elm disease is a fungus that chokes a tree's circulation. It is spread from tree to tree by elm bark beetles. The disease can kill an infected tree in as little as three weeks.

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 and Fort Qu'Appelle.

The province's Dutch elm disease surveillance program will operate again this summer, with plans to survey 47 communities for infected trees and elm firewood, both of which can harbour the beetles that spread the disease. 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 continues to be a large part of the management program. If you have questions or suspect a tree has Dutch elm disease, call 1-800-SASKELM or visit http://www.se.gov.sk.ca/forests/dutchelmdisease.

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For More Information, Contact:

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