By Art Bennett, PCMNO Councilor for Region Four
The Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer is a green beetle native to Asia. The beetle was accidentally introduced into the United States and Canada in the 1990s. Since then it has become a invasive species and is highly destructive to ash trees. The beetle has killed at least 50 to 100 million ash trees so far and threatens to kill most of the 7.5 billion remaining ash trees throughout North America.
As a Nation the Métis need to be aware of the consequence this destructive insect could have on our way of life. We use the ash tree for a multitude of things, from traditional medicines to gunnels for canoes and even lacrosse racquets and stretching racks for hides. We need to take action to preserve the existence of the remaining ash trees in our regions, so we can continue to harvest this valuable species.
We need to take preventative steps and avoid moving any potentially infested ash materials and all species of firewood, to non-infested areas of our regions. If we all work together we can maintain the life of this significant tree.
Please click on the link below, for more information concerning the Emerald Ash Borer.
http://inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/agrpla/agrplae.shtml