Ramsey Resident - 2002 - July/August

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OFFICIALNEWSPAPER The Anoka Union is the City ofRamsey's official newspaper and is published each Friday. All official notices, meeting schedules and City Council agendas are published in the Anoka Union as required by City Charter and State Statutes. OAKWILT 2002/2003 Here in the City of Ramsey, we are fortunate to have three different species of oak trees. The beautiful Red Oak (Quercus rubra) can be identified by the pointed lobes on its leaf, while the White Oak (Quercus alba) and the Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) will have rounded lobes on their leaves. The White and Bur oaks are usually the longest lived trees in our area of the Anoka Sand Plain. These trees grow for more than 100 years, but 250 years would not be unusual, if left undisturbed and kept disease -free. The one disease that the oaks are particularly vulnerable to is a vascular fungus disease that plugs the sap conducting vessels. This situation causes ultimate death to the woody tissue of the tree. The first apparent sign is the wilting of the leaves which occurs for no apparent reason. Bark damage through hitting the base of the oak with the lawn mower, over zealous tree trimming and wind breakage all contribute to make the oaks vulnerable, especially April through July. To protect the trees from damage it's important to treat fresh wounds immediately with tree wound paint. But the most significant spread of the oak wilt fungus is through root interconnections (grafts). WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU SUSPECT OAK WILT If you notice your oak leaves and branches are wilting and browning during the growing season, there are several things that you can do. Generally, the oak that is affected with oak wilt is dying and can't be saved. At this point, you must do what is necessary to save your other trees. This generally includes cutting root connections between the diseased or dead tree and other trees of the same species to prevent the spread by roots of the fungus. "The primary way oak wilt spreads is through interconnected root graphs that form between trees of the same species," stated Rich Hauer, Plant Health Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He indicated that interconnected root systems usually work in favor of trees of the same species because these interconnections expand the area that an individual tree can draw on to meet their water and nutrient needs. But oak wilt also takes advantage of these root interconnections to affect several trees. If not taken care of, the fungus can spread through the root connections until every tree in the grove is dead. The City recognizes the importance of healthy trees and that cutting root connections and removing diseased trees can be very expensive. As a result, an oak wilt cost share program was established 10 years ago using funds received from a grant through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). To receive more information about the City's cost share program for oak wilt or related tree and landscape issues, contact Bruce Bacon, Environmental Specialist, at City Hall by either calling 763 - 433 -9813, or stopping by 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW. The most effective answer to an insult is silence. NEW IN TOWN If you are a new resident of the City of Ramsey, please visit the Municipal Center, also known as City Hall, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up a new resident packet and your recycling bin. We will sign you up for the recycling program at that time and provide you with information you may need regarding the City. The Municipal Center is located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW, north of Ramsey Elementary School on the opposite side of the road. LOCKOUT FEES LOWER RUM RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT ORGA— NIZATION 9 Beginning January 1st 2002, the Ramsey Police Department will be charging a service fee of $20.00 for performing vehicle lockouts. The decision to add a fee for performing this service was made due to the increase in calls for service in other areas of public safety. The Police Department receives an average of over 350 vehicle lockouts per year. The Lower Rum River Water Management Organization meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Committee Room of Anoka City Hall to discuss storm and surface water issues affecting Ramsey, Anoka, Andover and part of Coon Rapids. The public is welcome to attend.