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Town advises: be prepared for EAB-related tree loss by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Friday, January 29, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Town of Oakville is warning residents to be prepared to see large numbers of trees being cut down in Oakville as it begins Year Two of its renewal plans for its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)infested woodlands. In a press statement issued Tuesday (Jan. 26), Town staff noted as weather and ground conditions permit, the municipality would begin removing dead and dying ash trees from Town woodlands in Bronte, Glen Abbey and the Morrison Valley area. Anyone with concerns are invited to attend an open house to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) Thursday, Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. "Council is committed to protecting and growing Oakville's tree canopy," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "The Town continues to maintain the long-term health of our urban forest by using best forestry management practices -- one of the many ways we are creating a more livable and sustainable future for Oakville residents." Town staff said removing dead and dying trees near woodland trains, and bordering properties, keeps people safe and allows new trees and shrubs to grow, which will renew the forest more rapidly. The removal of infested ash trees from Town woodlands is part of a 10-plus year program. forest management plan to restore the forest through plantings and natural regeneration. McNeil says anyone walking through the area today would find it hard to imagine only a decade ago, the forest lost 80 per cent of its trees. In keeping with best forest management practices, the Town will also remove some inEmerald ash borer | Oakville Beaver file photo vasive species and trees, other than ash, identified as structurally unsound or that are overcrowding the forest. The Town continues to treat municipal ash trees on streets and in parks with the bio insecticide TreeAzin to protect against EAB. To get the latest information about the Town's EAB management program, visit oakville.ca. Portions of the woodlands will be temporarily closed over periods throughout the year while trees are removed. "We understand the death and loss of trees caused by EAB is of great concern to residents," said John McNeil, Town forestry services manager. "We encourage residents to come to the open house, talk with the experts, and learn about how EAB is affecting the woodlands and the plans for their future restoration." While the Town says it plans to establish intensive planting sites in select areas, natural regeneration will account for most of the regrowth in the woodlands. Tree plantings and preparation for regrowth begins this spring and fall in woodlands where ash trees were removed last year. McNeil cites Iroquois Shoreline Woods as a great example of how a forest can regrow. In 2002, nearly 4,000 of the woodlot's oak trees -- most of the tree canopy -- died. The municipality developed a long-term Wild Birds Unlimited Give the Gift of Bird Feeding Oh, What Fun! Looking for a Bird Feeding Specialty Store This Winter? FINAL COME IN AND SEE OUR JANUARY CLEARANCE SALE! WEEkEND Come and see us! open 7 Days 3350 FAIRVIEW STREET, BuRlIngTon 905-634-7700 · EmAIl: wbu1@bellnet.ca We bring people & nature together We Invite Our Oakville Neighbours toVisit One of the Finest Showrooms in Ontario! 3440 Fairview Street, Burlington Ontario L7N 2R5 Oakville: (905) 827-5585 Burlington: (905) 634-7701 Hamilton: (905) 544-2220 www.broomshvac.ca Open: Mon. - Sat. Closed: Sun. Fairview St. Guelph Line Cumberland Ave Fairview St Woodview Rd St. Walkers Line Prospect Professional Advice on Top Brands