Movement of Wood Restricted Due to Emerald Ash Borer

Oakville, May 1, 2009 - For Immediate Release
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has taken action to limit the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) by issuing a ministerial order to prohibit the movement of firewood of all tree species, and ash tree products such as nursery stock, logs, branches, and wood chips into or outside the Region of Halton.

The Emerald Ash Borer is a metallic green-coloured beetle. It has killed millions of ash trees in the northern United States and Canada since it was discovered near Detroit in 2002. Its presence in Oakville was first confirmed in July 2008 in the vicinity of the Eighth Line and Falgarwood. Residents who move any of the above materials into or out of the Region without prior permission from the CFIA could face fines and/or prosecution. The regulations extend to vehicles used to carry restricted wood materials.

"The Emerald Ash Borer poses a serious threat to our forest cover as there are 176,000 ash trees in Oakville, which represents approximately 9 per cent of our urban forest," says John McNeil, Manager of Forestry and Cemetery Services for the Town of Oakville. "I urge all residents to learn about the Emerald Ash Borer and obey the ministerial order. By not moving or transporting ash products or firewood of any kind, we can limit the spread of EAB."

EAB is strictly regulated by the federal government as a plant pest under the Plant Protection Act. The beetle has no known natural enemies in North America and limited treatment options exist. The CFIA considers slowing down the spread of infestation the most effective way to deal with EAB as it can quickly spread by the movement and transportation of infested ash products and firewood.

The Town has taken action to help manage the impact of EAB and will begin a program of planting new trees this year in areas with an abundance of ash trees. In addition, a treatment of selected ash trees with Tree Azin - an organic pesticide approved for treatment of EAB and permitted under the Provincial pesticide ban - will occur for the second year which is expected to provide up to two years of protection from EAB. The Town will also continue it's tree inventory project to identify trees at risk from EAB.

"We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of EAB," added McNeil. "We are grateful for residents' cooperation and understanding. If you need firewood, buy it locally. If you're going to a cottage or campsite, buy your wood there and burn it all before you leave. Moving a single piece of infested wood could have serious consequences for our trees and forests."

The Town will continue to work with the CFIA, and will advise residents when movement of wood outside the Region of Halton can resume. Residents can also help by being vigilant in watching for EAB and contacting the CFIA if any are spotted. The beetle can be identified by its shiny emerald appearance. A full description is available on the Town's Emerald Ash Borer web page.

EAB was first detected in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario after being introduced to North America from Eastern Asia.  The CFIA confirmed the presence of EAB in Oakville in July 2008. The new Ministerial Order was issued to the City of Toronto, the City of Hamilton, and the regions of Halton, Peel, York and Durham.

For additional information visit the CFIA website, the Town's Forestry web page or call 1-866-463-6017.

Media contacts:
John McNeil
Manager, Forestry and Cemetery Services
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3395
jmcneil@oakville.ca

Brenda Beesley
Senior Communications Advisor
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3005
bbeesley@oakville.ca

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