Beaconsfield to Host Emerald Ash Borer Seminar

BEACONSFIELD, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - April 14, 2014) - As part of its action plan to fight the emerald ash borer, the City of Beaconsfield has been screening for this pest since 2012. Note that the presence of the emerald ash borer was confirmed in the greater Montreal area in 2011.

The City of Beaconsfield has implemented various measures to slow the infestation and preserve the urban forest of its territory. Among these are the following:

• Steps taken to inform and educate residents by posting information on sandwich boards, the electronic billboard, the Contact publication and on the City's web site;
• A resolution adopted in May 2012 specifying ash tree removal restrictions and measures to be taken while the Ministerial Order is in force;
• Traps to detect the EAB were deployed on our territory during the summer of 2012;
• Inventory and precautionary branch testing of all ash trees on public property. The inspection revealed that 75% of the trees show signs of stress;
• An amount of $500,000 placed on reserve for urban forestry, including EAB related measures;
• Inspection of 500 trees in different parts of the City in 2013 to check for the presence of the EAB. These represent approximately 20% of the ash trees on public property which show signs of stress;
• Debarking of more than 200 trees since 2012 to identify the presence of the insect;
• Suspension of ash tree planting and planting nearly 200 trees of various species each year. This is double the number of trees planted on the territory four years ago.

The City continues to implement additional measures to curb the infestation. Because it is essential that we seek the collaboration of citizens in the fight against the EAB, we will host a seminar called Slowing the ash borer - a joint effort!

To inform the public about the situation and the existing solutions, this seminar will take place on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m., at Beaconsfield High School, 250 Beaurepaire.

Biologist and EAB specialist Anthony Daniel of the City of Montreal will be our guest keynote speaker.

Tree specialists will also be present to answer questions from those in attendance.

"The City of Beaconsfield has been proactive in the fight against the EAB. We develop strategies and mobilize resources in order to ensure the sustainability of our urban forest. I invite not only the residents of Beaconsfield, but all those in the West Island to attend this important seminar to be better informed on this issue. The cooperation of everyone is essential to protect the ash in the region." said Mayor Georges Bourelle.

We also invite you to visit our web site at www.beaconsfield.ca for information on how to identify an ash tree and the EAB as well as intervention and treatment options.

Reminder

The emerald ash borer is a small insect pest from Asia, which affects the health of ash trees and can cause their death. Since its arrival in North America in 2002, the EAB has killed more than 100 million ash trees, has had an effect on public health and has impacted the economy, the environment and the landscape in affected communities.