For Release: Wednesday, October 8, 2008
DEC Acts Swiftly to Halt Oak Wilt Infestation
First Appearance of Fungus in NYS Confirmed; Public Meeting Set at Glenville Senior Center
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced plans to remove trees infested with "oak wilt" in the Glen Oaks neighborhood in Glenville, Schenectady County. Swift action is necessary to halt the spread of the disease, which is very aggressive and can kill certain species of oak trees within weeks of infection.
Oak wilt was confirmed for the first time in New York State last month in the Glen Oaks neighborhood. In order to stop the spread of the disease, DEC will remove diseased trees and sever underground roots using mechanized equipment to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy tress through the root systems. DEC staff expect to begin widespread tree surveys during the week of October 20th with dead and diseased tree removed by this winter.
A public information meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Road, Glenville. DEC officials will provide information about the local infestation, background on the disease and the steps DEC is proposing to eradicate the infestation. There will also be a question-and-answer period.
"A rapid response by the State is critical to contain this fungus, which if left untreated, can spread and quickly kill native oak trees," said Robert K. Davies, New York State Forester. "We are confident swift action can eradicate this oak threat. This incident underscores the importance to restrict the movement of firewood to protect our forests."
Earlier this year, DEC took action to slow the spread of invasive species by restricting the importation, transportation and sale of untreated firewood. For information about the restrictions on firewood movement, visit DEC's website.
Local residents are ordered not to remove any parts of oak trees from the neighborhood, such as clippings or fire wood, until further notice from DEC in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Law Section 9 Title 13. There will be ongoing monitoring from DEC in the coming months and years to ensure the eradication measures have been successful. In addition, DEC will be investigating and surveying areas that may have received wood from the Glen Oaks neighborhood, such as fire wood.
Oak wilt is a very serious tree disease in the eastern United States, killing thousands of oaks each year in forests, woodlots and home landscapes. It is caused by a fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum. The fungus grows in the water-conducting vessels of host trees and as it does, it causes the vessels to produce gummy plugs that prevent water transport. As water movement within the tree is slowed, the leaves wilt and drop off, and eventually the tree dies.
Oak wilt is known to attack all species of oak but kills red oaks quickly; it has been known to kill trees within a few weeks following infection. White oaks on the other hand may survive many years following infection.
For more information about oak wilt, including images that illustrate the symptoms, visit DEC's website.
