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Development ~ Some Things You Should Know About Oak Wilt Oal( Wilt is a disease of oal( trees caused by a fungus that moves through the vascular system of a tree. As a defense mechanism, an infected oal( tree will plug up the water con- ducting vessels to try and contain the fungus. This prevents water and nu- trients from reaching the leaves and ultimately results in the death of a tree. Both the red oak and white oak families are susceptible to oal( wilt. Red oal(s are highly susceptible to the disease and may die in only a matter of a couple weeks. White oal(s, how- ever, are more resistant to the disease, and may take years to succumb to it. Oal( Wilt can spread through grafted (connected) root systems and overland via certain insects. Dif- ferent trees of similar species are capable of forming root grafts that essentially create one connected root system for two or more trees. If roots between an infected tree and a healthy tree are connected, the fungus can move through the root system into the healthy tree. Furthermore, diseased red oaks may also produce spore mats. Certain sap beetles are attracted to the fruity smell that these spore mats produce. These same sap beetles are also attracted to the sap that is exuded from fresh wounds (such as from pruning cuts, wind damage, mechanical damage etc). In other words, overland spread can also occur when certain insects visit freshly wounded oak trees after visit- ing a spore mat. Root graft disruption is the most effective means of controlling oak wilt. Root graft disruption is accomplished by cutting the roots between diseased trees and healthy trees. This is commonly done by use of a vibratory plow or trench- ing machine. Chemical injections of healthy trees may also be used as a control measure. This is often done in conjunction with root graft disrup- tion to give the healthy trees a better chance for survival. Ramsey's Recycling Program Honored The city of Ramsey's recycling program was rec- ognized by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners for its 2006 recycling tonnage total. The residents of Ramsey recycled 2,795 tons of recyclable materials in 2006, which easily exceeded Ramsey's goal of 1,754 tons. Ramsey's recycling program was also recognized as both the Most Improved and the Most Resourceful Recycling Program in 2006 by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. In total, Anol(a County residents and businesses recycled 142,330 tons of material in 2006. Recycling helps con- serve our natural resources and diverts materials from landfills. Remember, all food and beverage glass contain- Another important step in the treatment process is remov- ing infected trees. After root graft disruption takes place, potential spore producing trees (trees that produce spore mats) should be removed to prevent overland spread from occur- ring. The wood should either be dis- posed of, chipped, debarl(ed, or split into firewood size pieces and covered with a thicl( blacl( plastic tarp for at least one year (the edges of the tarp should be buried a couple of inches or completely secured flush with the ground). Please remember that pruning of oak trees should be avoided from April through July, as that is when the insect vectors are most active and also when a tree is at it's peak sap producing. If you have a concern about oak wilt or other tree related is- sues, you can contact Environmental Coordinator Chris Anderson at 763- 433-9905 or canderson@ci.ramsey. mn.us. ers, aluminum, steel and tin cans, #s 1 & 2 plastic containers with necks, paper and cardboard can all be placed directly in the recy- cling cart without being sepa- rated. Keep up the great worl(! If you have questions or concerns regarding the recycling program, you can contact En- vironmental Coordinator Chris Anderson at 763-433-9905 or canders on@ci.ramsey.mn. us. www.ci.ramsey.mn.us 3