DUTCH ELM DISEASE SURVEY RESULTS ENCOURAGING

Released on September 12, 2003

The province's recently completed Dutch elm disease (DED) survey shows that proactive management programs can slow the spread of the disease.

The survey of communities identified a total 63 DED-infected trees this year, down from 111 confirmed infections last year. While the number of infections remained fairly stable in most communities surveyed, Lumsden and Regina experienced significant reductions this year. The communities of Carlyle, Weyburn and White City remained disease-free for the second year in a row, following confirmed cases in 2001.

The disease continues to move in areas where American elm grow naturally, including northwest from Buffalo Pound Provincial Park along the Qu'Appelle Valley and on both the east and west sides of Last Mountain Lake. Two communities, Melville and Caronport, had their first confirmed cases of DED this year, with one infected tree each.

"While DED remains a serious threat to all Saskatchewan elm trees, the survey shows that persistent management efforts can have positive results," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We are committed to continue working with communities to fight the spread of the disease."

Infected trees were found again this year in: Lumsden 34(67 last year); Estevan 17(20); Carnduff 1(2); Kamsack 1(2); Tisdale 2 (1); Fort Qu'Appelle 1(2); Katepwa Beach 1(2); and Regina 1(14); Moose Jaw 2 (0); Moosomin 1 (0). Moose Jaw and Moosomin, both disease-free last year, had infections in 2001. Many of these trees have already been removed. The City of Saskatoon remains disease-free.

Infected trees were identified in the Estevan and Fort Qu'Appelle buffer zones, in the expanded buffer zone around Regina, as well as in the newly established buffers around Tisdale and Moose Jaw. Work to remove a total of 298 infected trees in all of the buffer areas is already underway and will continue into the fall. As well, 350 elm trees will be removed from the Condie Nature Refuge, within the Regina buffer, due to their poor condition and the resulting hazard for spreading Dutch elm disease.

Dutch elm disease management programs, such as spraying and pruning will take place this fall and winter in at least 32 communities as part of a cost-share program with Saskatchewan Environment.

To date this year, staff at the Crop Protection Lab in Regina have tested more than 380 samples. The DED Hotline has received more than 450 calls from the public. The surveyers also found 83 elmwood infractions. It is illegal to transport, store, use or sell elm firewood because of the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease.

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For More Information, Contact:

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