County setting traps to monitor emerald ash borer

TheBarrieExaminer.com
May 26, 2014

A series of traps will be installed throughout the region, including Barrie and Orillia, to keep tabs on the emerald ash borer.
 
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native, highly destructive, wood-boring beetle that feeds under the bark of ash trees and was confirmed earlier this year in Bradford West Gwillimbury. It was first found in Michigan about 12 years ago and has been slowly making its way to Barrie and Simcoe County ever since.
 
The presence of the insect will have a significant impact on the mortality of Ash trees throughout the county, affecting landowners and municipalities.  About 10% of the county's hardwood forests are comprised of ash trees.
 
As of April 1, Simcoe County was declared a regulated area in regards to EAB by the Canadian Food Inspection Area, meaning there are restrictions on the movement of landscaping materials, plants and firewood out of the county. That means no kindling or firewood for camping excursions outside Simcoe County. The quarantined area extends north up to Parry Sound District and beyond.
 
In response to the beetle's arrival, the county and local municipalities have developed strategies to make informed decisions and plan for anticipated costs associated with this invasive insect.  As such, 60 traps will be installed in strategic locations throughout the region, including within the cities of Barrie and Orillia, beginning in late May.
 
These highly visible green, triangular, sticky traps will remain in place until August.
 
 Officials are urging residents to leave traps untouched and in their current location. Residents are also reminded to help reduce the spread of the EAB and other invasive species by buying and burning firewood locally.
 
For more information, visit invasiveinsects.ca, or contact forestry@simcoe.ca if you suspect the insect is on your property.
 
City of Barrie tree inventory
•Total forested area (private and public): 1,595 hectares or 19.6% of total land area
•  Woodlots owned by the city: 601 hectares or 38% or total forested area
•145 kilometres of city-owned forest bordering with private lands
•There are approximately 140,00 trees (private and public) in Barrie. That includes 15,000 open-space park trees and 34,000 street trees
•In 2007, Barrie implemented a moratorium on planting ash trees on public lands and recommended they be omitted from all landscaping plans
•Approximately 10% of county hardwood forests are ash trees