The City of Steinbach is again participating in the provincial Dutch elm disease and invasive species monitoring programs this summer. Monitoring is done through visual inspections and trapping of adult insects, aerial surveys and remote sensing.
Due to COVID-19, there are new prevention protocols for this year’s program and the province has asked us to advise residents of the following:
- 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 will 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 under the Dutch elm disease management program.
- Staff will always maintain at least two metres distance between themselves and others, and ask that residents respect this policy when approaching surveyors as well.
For more information about this program call Manitoba Tree Line at 204-945-7866. More information about Dutch Elm Disease can be found at steinbach.ca.
