Alberta needs to be prepared!! For now, AB municipalities can use the Manitoba Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan as a guideline to prevent, detect and potentially manage EAB.
The Province of Manitoba was proactive and developed the Manitoba Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan in April, 2017. EAB is been listed as a declared pest under their Forest Health Protection Act.
The response plan can be found at:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/forestry/health/pdf/manitoba_eab_preparedness_plan.pdf
Winnipeg’s Public Service Recommendations
Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks –
February 5, 2018
The recommended EAB management approach is referred to as “Slow Ash Mortality”, or SLAM, approach which is being applied in most Canadian cities dealing with EAB. The SLAM approach includes injecting a percentage of eligible trees with a botanical pesticide registered for use in Canada, the remaining trees are removed as they die, and these trees are subsequently replaced. Generally, trees eligible for injections are those that are greater than 20 cm in trunk diameter, in good condition, and of high value. Treatment occurs on a two-year cycle, hence, half of the trees are treated each year over the 10-year period.
The objective of the SLAM approach is to limit the spread of the EAB population, spread out the mortality of ash trees over time to allow more proactive management of the overwhelming number of removals and replacements required with an EAB infestation, and preserve our healthy ash trees for as long as possible. Considering the significant population of ash trees and the limitations for tree diversity in Winnipeg, the SLAM approach is recommended for the City of Winnipeg.
The complete document can be found at: https://www.bing.com/search?q=Agenda+%E2%80%93+Standing+Policy+Committee+on+Protection,+Community+Services+and+Parks+%E2%80%93February+5,+2018&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IESR3A&pc=EUPP_