Saskatchewan working to keep Dutch elm disease in check

The Saskatchewan government continues to take steps to keep Dutch elm disease from spreading in the province.

On Monday, the Ministry of Environment announced it has contracted Regina-based Northern Tree Co. Inc., to remove and dispose of infected elm trees in high-risk areas.

“Dutch elm disease is an ongoing concern for Saskatchewan residents and wildlife,” Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said in a media release. “We are pleased to continue working with a local company on this important initiative to protect and maintain our urban and rural forests.”

The program focuses on elm trees around communities that are considered high risk for Dutch elm disease. Those include Balcarres, Estevan, Indian Head, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Regina, Tisdale and Wolseley.

Contractors will be around those communities during the summer to detect infected trees. Northern Tree is to remove those trees in the fall and early winter.

The City of Regina recently said six more infected trees in the area had been found and were removed.

Anyone who thinks a tree may have Dutch elm disease should contact the Ministry of Environment’s Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.

More information on Dutch elm disease, including signs and prevention tips, is available here.