Unique Muskoka August

Photograph: Jan McDonnell
reduce the spread. With ash being a
component of the natural and urban forest
in Ontario, this invasive insect pest has
caused severe and significant mortality.
(Once the beetle arrives) a municipality can
then decide which high value trees they
would like to protect and start a
treatment plan right away. All
infested non-treated ash trees will
die and must be removed as soon as
possible.”
For now, Muskoka is watching
and waiting. The beetle’s arrival is
almost certain, if it’s not here already.
“We want to raise awareness
about the potential threat to our
forests,” says Jenn LeMesurier, land
stewardship co-ordinator for the
Muskoka Conservancy. “If they are
here, they would be emerging from
the trees now.”
She hopes the traps, which will
be checked at the end of August, won’t
contain any of the beetles. Without knowing,
the local ash population can’t be protected.
Treatment can be successful if the beetles are
found early.
“We encourage people to be aware of what
could be on their property,” says LeMesurier.
“Closely monitor your ash trees and be on
the watch for signs that the beetle is here.”
Infested ash trees may be thinning at the
Above: After feeding on the growing layer of a tree, which
prevents the flow of water and nutrients, the ash borer
larvae overwinter under the protective bark. Left: A green
prism trap is prepared to test to see if the ash borer has
arrived in Muskoka.
crown, and have dead branches or yellowing
of leaves. Look for the beetle’s D-shaped exit
holes in the bark.
If you do find evidence of the emerald ash
borer on your property, contact the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-
1940 or report sightings to the Invading
Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.
Contact a certified arborist regarding
treatment plans.
Photograph: Penn. Dept. of Conserv. and Nat. Resources
excelrailings.ca
705-646-2508
14 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2016