As spring arrives and people start thinking about pruning trees in their yards, it is important to remember that there is a provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees from April 1 to August 31 due to the risk and threat of Dutch elm disease (DED). This ban is in place to prevent the spread of the fungal disease which can be deadly to elm trees.
Saskatoon is known as the “City of Bridges” and “The Paris of the Prairies” due to its many beautiful elm trees. In fact, one in every four trees in Saskatoon is an elm tree and is at risk of DED. The Afforestation Areas, planted in 1972 and 1973, also contain many elm trees among the recommended tree species which include American Elm and Siberian Elm.
Recently, DED was found in the nearby Montgomery Place neighborhood. It is crucial to prevent the spread of this disease to other areas, including the Afforestation Areas. Storing cut elm as firewood or in any form anywhere is not recommended. The bark beetle makes its way to decaying elm wood, and the beetle carries the DED fungus on its back. By having any form of elm tree cut in or nearby to the Afforestation Area, all elm trees are at risk.
Besides the fact that pruning elm trees during the ban is subject to a provincial-wide ban, Bylaw 7767 also states that “no person shall damage or destroy any vegetation or any structure in a Park or Recreation Facility.” Therefore, it is important for all park users to be stewards of the Afforestation Areas and watch for signs of DED in elm trees, including flagging and yellowing of leaves off-season at the top of the tree canopy. It is also important to watch for signs of cut elm and mention it to the City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry Department at 306-975-2890.
As users and stewards of the Afforestation Areas, it is our responsibility to protect the trees from diseases and to maintain their health. The Afforestation Areas are home to many species of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Trees are an important part of their habitat, and cutting down or damaging trees in the forest can have a significant impact on their survival.
We encourage all residents to be aware of the Dutch elm disease and the importance of following the provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees anywhere in Saskatoon and area. By doing so, we can help protect our beautiful elm trees and the wildlife that depends on them.
If you suspect that an elm tree in the Afforestation Areas or elsewhere may have DED, please contact the City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry Department immediately. They will send an arborist to assess the tree and determine if it needs to be removed.
In conclusion, let us all do our part to protect the elm trees in the Afforestation Areas and throughout Saskatoon from Dutch elm disease. By following the provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees and reporting any signs of DED, we can ensure that these beautiful trees continue to thrive for generations to come. Thank you for being a responsible steward of our natural environment.
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
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Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 