Hub Staff

The Emerald ash borer has caused severe damage to the trees that surround Southampton’s Fairy Lake. In an information report to Saugeen Shores Council November 28, Director of Community Services Jayne Jagelewski said that in August, 91 sawlog trees (large to very large) and 266 firewood trees (smaller trees as well as trees in poor condition) were identified to be infected by the beetle.

Discussions had occurred between Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SCVA), SauGreen, town staff as well as commercial arborists to identify and manage an approach to the growing problem. In October, SVCA recommended the Town of Saugeen Shores remove 500 trees altogether. Jagelewski said town staff is currently looking at four potential options.

1: Do nothing and allow the trees to die naturally and eventually topple over - it was noted in the report that a high number of infected trees could topple over at any time and in any location thus eliminating public access to the park.

2: Use insecticides to protect the trees from infestation - the reported noted that Fairy Lake is in advanced stages of infestation and insecticide treatments need to be done before infestation occurs.

3: Selectively remove trees based on level of hazard over the next 10 years - this option would see the closure of the park to visitors due to the risk of falling trees and the ongoing harvest would create long term forest disturbance and environmental impacts.

4: Remove all ash trees in a single harvest - this option would require one harvest disturbance and allow for the park to reopen quickly.

In the report, town staff would like to see SVCA retain a project manager position on this endeavour. Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority would mark all required trees, create and distribute tender packages, arrange public meetings and supervise the contract. The SVCA estimated the total cost of ash tree removal would be in the range of $150,000 to $250,000.

Jagelewski said that town staff will seek approval for this project during capital budget deliberations, which take place December 6.