Additional Asian Long-Horned Beetle Infestations Found In Toronto

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 17 Oct 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected a number of trees infested with the Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB), an invasive insect native to Asia known to attack and kill healthy hardwood trees, in two areas of the City of Toronto. ALHB does not pose a threat to human health.

The infested trees are located on predominantly residential and commercial properties, located in the Jane Street and Finch Avenue and Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue areas. These affected areas are within the existing Regulated Area; therefore, no additional regulatory restrictions are required.

Based on the latest scientific information provided by the CFIA and the Canadian Forest Service, it is believed that removing trees within 200 metres of the infested trees identified by survey crews during the summer of 2007 will be sufficient to eradicate these areas of infestation. Tree removal will occur in the affected areas after Notices to Dispose have been delivered to affected property owners.

The CFIA offers compensation to property owners for trees removed to comply with a Notice to Dispose. Compensation is provided on the basis of the direct costs to replace the removed tree up to a set maximum amount. The maximum amounts are $300 per tree ordered removed on privately-owned land, $150 per tree on public land, and $40 per tree in woodlots.

In addition to the compensation package to assist with the planting of new trees, the CFIA covers all the costs associated with tree removal, destruction and disposal. The CFIA regrets that trees have to be removed from properties and takes all steps necessary to minimize the impact.

Preventing and managing invasive species such as the ALHB is undertaken by CFIA to strengthen Canada's long-term competitiveness, protect its forests and natural environment, and contribute to the well-being of its citizens.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

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