Rarely in the past would I have stopped and read a notice board on trails. Circumstances have changed slightly – I like to be informed. The other day walking Sheppard’s Bush trail I came across this Notice to Visitors from Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). It was with regards to the nasty pest called the Emerald Ash Borer that killed millions of trees in North America. Over the years I noticed that many healthy trees were cut down at the Sheppard’s Bush, especially near the parking lot. In contrast to the Town of Aurora treating ash trees regularly with pesticides and having recurring costs for this not so environmentally friendly treatment (in my opinion), LSRCA opted to cut affected trees and replace them with a variety of native tree species.
“I think the solution may be simple if we just let nature take its course. Eventually if the food source would decline so too would the population of the Emerald Ash Borer.”
The above Notice to Visitors from LSRCA reads, “The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle is currently active on the property. This invasive forest pest attacks and kills healthy ash trees. To promote forest health and visitor safety, LSRCA is proactively removing trees that have been infested by the beetle. Research into the beetle and its impacts on our forest is ongoing and you may see insect traps or study trials in the area. Please do not disturb any monitoring equipment. To reduce the impacts of EAB and promote forest health, the LSRCA is actively replacing the trees lost to the infestation by planting a variety of native trees species across our watershed.“
A few years ago I wrote, “I think the solution may be simple if we just let nature take its course. Eventually if the food source would decline so too would the population of the Emerald Ash Borer.” Today, I continue to stand by my statement.
Anna Lozyk Romeo
Aurora, Ontario
Additional Resource: Emerald Ash Borer Fact Sheet from LSRCA [File Type: PDF]
