Timber...
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Vast swathes of forest felled due to spread of tree disease
AROUND 20 per cent of Moneyscalp Wood has been felled after a deadly tree disease was discovered at neighbouring Tollymore Forest Park.
Phytophthora ramorum was confirmed in 14 hectares of larch trees at Moneyscalp Wood after it was identified in aerial surveys carried out earlier last year.
Dramatic harvesting of the affected trees started at the end of November and is now well advanced with felling due to the completed within the next fortnight in be 73 hectare area. Felling of the trees is required to prevent them from producing spores to spread the infection further.
A spokesperson for DARD said that Forest Service plans to replant the area following the completion of harvesting operation.
“Unfortunately, spores from the disease remain active in the soil for a period following the felling of trees and this restricts the range of species suitable for planting," said the DARD spokesperson.
The outbreak in Tollymore is a southerly extension of the outbreak zone that was identified in 2010 after it was first confirmed in Northern Ireland in County Antrim.
In total 310 hectares of larch trees were felled in 2010 and as a result of the survey work in 2011, the disease has now been confirmed at seven public forests and eight private sites, affecting 71 hectares of trees this year.
Infection of Phytophthora on larch can take two forms. Shoots and foliage can be affected showing as wilted, withered shoot tips with blackened needles or trunks and branches can show infection in the form of resinous bleeding cankers. The trees die once these cankers become extensive on the main trunk.
If the disease is not controlled, the spread could create considerable long term problems due to the virulent nature of the disease and the wide range of host species that could potentially become infected. Forest Service liaised closely with a range of stakeholders prior to commencing felling at Moneyscalp Forest, including the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group.
Forest Service Chief Executive Malcolm Beatty said that they are very concerned of the outbreak at Tollymore.
“Approximately 14 hectares of larch is affected and will be felled in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas of the forest. We would ask all visitors to Tollymore to carefully follow the guidance detailed on signs at the affected sites including any access restrictions. It is especially important to avoid any action which could result in the movement of infected soil or plant parts to uninfected areas.
“Visitors are also urged to ensure their footwear is free of any soil before visiting other areas," said Mr Beatty.
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