On behalf of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development’s Forestry Branch, the City of Brandon is distributing information relating to Dutch Elm Disease Surveys/Invasive Forest Pest Monitoring that's being undertaken in Brandon this summer by provincial staff.

Because there are a number of COVID-19 prevention protocols attached to this year’s surveying and monitoring program, the Province of Manitoba asked that we share the attached information with our community.

Subject: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development’s Forestry Branch - Dutch Elm Disease Surveys/Invasive Forest Pest Monitoring/COVID-19

·Dutch elm disease surveys and emerald ash borer monitoring will be moving forward again this season in participating communities.

· Provincial surveyors will be driving or walking around both public and private properties while they work.

· Surveyors wear high visibility vests and government issued identification. This year, staff may also be wearing masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE), due to COVID-19.

· In support of physical distancing measures, staff may not approach every resident or house before entering onto properties to conduct surveys.

· Surveyors will still ring doorbells or knock on doors prior to taking branch samples, marking trees, or identifying firewood piles for removal.

· Staff will always maintain at least two metres distance between themselves and others, and residents are asked to respect this policy when approaching staff as well.

 

For more information contact : Manitoba Tree Line: 204-945-7866 or treeline@gov.mb.ca