Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is continuing its Emerald Ash Borer Restoration Project at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area in Mississauga. Work will take place from February 22 to March 13, 2021.
Ash trees at Rattray Marsh have been devastated by emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect.
“Dead or dying ash trees are unstable and can fall,” said Aaron Day, Program Manager, Forestry at CVC. “They pose a safety risk to visitors and are a threat to forest health. We are continuing to remove dead standing ash trees in priority sections of the forest.”
CVC staff will also be restoring these sections to prevent invasive plants from filling the gap left by dead or dying ash trees. Invasive plants have little value for native wildlife and prevent the growth of natural, healthy forests. Staff will continue their work to prevent the growth of invasive plants throughout the summer and fall and plant native trees and shrubs where needed.
“In line with forest restoration best practices, we will not be removing all ash trees. Some of the smaller trees, select mature trees, and most of the cut logs will be left to provide habitat for wildlife,” said Day.
Since 2014, CVC staff have been injecting select ash trees on its properties with TreeAzin, an environmentally safe bio-insecticide treatment that helps protect healthy ash trees from becoming infected with EAB. This treatment will continue over the next 10 years for ecologically significant trees and where funding allows.
For more information, visit cvc.ca/eab or email [email protected].
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Media Contact
Baljit Seran
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
[email protected]