September 10, 2009 Governance & Services Committee Meeting Minutes
4. Regional Parks Services
4.1 Douglas Fir Tussock Moth Update - Forested Crown & Private
Lands in the Central Okanagan
In follow-up to the August 13th Governance and Services Committee
meeting staff were asked to report back whether there is a role for
the Regional District to work with the Ministry of Forests on local
infestation of the moth as well as whether there
is an issue with regional properties that need to be addressed.
Staff reviewed the areas of concern within the Regional District and
the role of the District including talking to Interior Health.
Staff report dated August 25th outlined the areas of known
infestation in the region.
Ministry of Forest mapping has not yet been completed and the
severity level is currently unknown. Based upon the results of
further survey, staff anticipate seeking Board approval to partner
with the Ministry in any future Ministry sponsored aerial spraying
application for the Trepanier Valley and Coldham Regional Park.
Appropriate funding levels will need to be determined for the 2010
Regional Parks budget.
#GS76/09 SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT the August 25, 2009 staff report on the Douglas Fire Tussock
Moth update be received;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to
contact Interior Health (medical staff) and municipal staff to
provide information regarding the affect of the Moth on public
health;
AND FURTHER THAT staff continue to update the Board on issues
related to the Moth and infestation within the Central Okanagan.
CARRIED
-------------------------
FYI - The
Tussock Moth is a serious health hazard and can cause reactions in
people. It is also very devastating to trees,
including some decorator trees that could be growing in your own
yard.
This tree is located near the Spallumcheen
Industrial Park near Armstrong BC and was already attacked by the
Tussock Moth. The woman whom lived in the house next to the
trees had itchy legs from a reaction to the Tussock Moth during the
active season. She did not know why she had itchy legs and
went to the doctor for cream to put on her legs. It wasn't
until a pest control company stopped in to notify the owner of what
was wrong his trees that it was found out about how the Tussock Moth
can cause reactions in people.
The homeowner was told that these trees might be
salvageable. The solution is to spray twice per year which
would cost approx. $120 per spray, including root feeding the trees.
The homeowner was told by the pest control company that the needles
should grow back.
This is a photo of a left over of the Tussock
Moth.
This is a photo of the Tussock Moth Cocoon on a
branch. The cocoons are found on the underside of the branches
on this tree.
|
