Studio: 403-488-1021
Text: CJCY + Message to 54500
Increase in Beetle Population Raises Concerns
The number of banded bark beetles in Medicine Hat has jumped 1000 percent, sparking concerns with City officials.
The City will be placing the focus of its tree pruning program to strictly elm trees over the next three to four years, due to an increase in the population of banded bark beetles.
Gary Patzer of the Parks department said the pests are showing up in increasing numbers. "The banded elm bark beetle we've found increased in number from 62 to over 600 this past year," he said. The big concern is the insects can cause Dutch Elm disease, which claimed 4400 elm trees in Winnipeg last year.
Patzer said they will be launching an education program for Hatters, so they know the risks of Dutch Elm disease, symptoms to look for, and the times when elm trees can and cannot be pruned.
Copyright 2011 CJCY-FM/Clear Sky Radio Inc. All rights reserved. Copying, publishing or distributing without express written permission is strictly prohibited.