Rosemère unveils the visual of its new awareness-raising campaign

Rosemère, March 21, 2017 – In order to raise public awareness of the ravages of the emerald ash borer, the Town of Rosemère has developed a new information and awareness campaign entitled "Let’s fight the emerald ash borer". In support of this campaign, a striking visual demonstrating the irreversible impact of this exotic insect has been unveiled.

Over the coming weeks, an information document on the emerald ash borer and the various strategies for controlling this problem will be distributed to all citizens.

"Natural Resources Canada estimates that more than 98% of ash trees attacked will die within five years from the start of an infestation in a given region. In Rosemère, the public urban forest has approximately 2,000 ash trees on its streets and in its parks, and another 6,000 to 8,000 ash trees on private properties, for a total of more than 10,000 ash trees. Research has made it possible to conclude that, when the presence of this devastating insect is detected on a territory, its population grows exponentially over a period of 5 to 8 years. This makes it imperative for us to act quickly," stresses mayor Madeleine Leduc.

Within the framework of this new campaign and in order to support citizens in dealing with their own ash trees, the Town of Rosemère has implemented a "Policy on the replacement and treatment of private ash trees", which includes a program for the distribution of trees as well as financial assistance for the treatment of ash trees. As a result, a three-pronged intervention approach — "Treat – Plant – Cut down" — has been implemented to slow and control the spread of the emerald ash borer.

Among others, this policy calls for:

• Implementing a tree distribution program to encourage the planting of young trees on private properties.
• Ensuring the replacement of a large part of the ash trees cut down.
• Rebuilding and increasing the diversity of the urban forest in the aftermath of the emerald ash borer.
• Maintaining the current green canopy to help enhance the quality of life of residents, by offering financial assistance to those who wish to treat their ash trees and keep them healthy rather than cut them down.

Financial assistance program for the treatment of private ash trees

According to the new policy, the owner of a property with fewer than 10 ash trees having a minimum diameter of 20 cm can apply for a grant. It should be noted that a property owner can only apply for a grant once per eligible ash tree. The amount of the grant varies according to the number of ash trees treated, as stipulated in the program. For example, for a single ash tree treated, a single $100 grant can be paid. For 2 to 10 treated ash trees, 50% of treated trees will be eligible for a grant, and for 11 or more treated ash trees, the grant is 40%. Grant applications must be submitted on the form available on the Town’s website, where eligibility criteria are also detailed*. Treatment of the trees must have been carried out between June 15 and August 31.

Tree distribution program

To encourage the planting of young trees on private properties, the Town will give young trees with a trunk diameter of approximately 25 cm free of charge to property owners who have obtained a permit and cut down ash trees on their property. A property owner can submit an application for each of these programs. However, the combined number of ash trees treated or replaced cannot exceed 5 per year.

Furthermore, as defined in the integrated plan of action against the emerald ash borer, the Town intends to plant a thousand replacement trees on public land, over a five-year period. These plantings will be prioritized based on criteria such as the reduction of runoff, pollution and heat islands.

* For details of the program, go to ville.rosemere.qc.ca/public-works.