Emerald ash borer subject of Simcoe County information campaign

simcoe.com
June 8, 2015

Simcoe County Forestry wants to educate residents and municipalities about protecting their ash trees against the emerald ash borer.

The wood-boring beetle was first discovered in Simcoe County in 2013. By 2014, the insect had been found in nearly half of the municipalities within the county.

“This is a costly issue for property owners, including municipalities, and will have a negative impact on our environment and forests,” county forester Graeme Davis stated in a press release. “It is important that we take proactive measures to educate residents about treatment options so that they can make informed decisions before it is too late.”

Traps are being set in strategic locations throughout the county this spring to monitor the spread of the beetle. Reports will be presented to county council and member municipalities this summer.

The county will also be distributing educational materials to municipalities and businesses, advertising in regional media, and posting information through social media and on the recently launched website www.simcoe.ca/eab.