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April 19, 2017 - 9:39 AM
The Regional District has had a bylaw in place since 2001 to ensure improved control of fruit tree pests and protect the commercial fruit industry in the South Okanagan and Similkameen, which includes Electoral Areas: “A”,”B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G” and the Town of Oliver.
All residents and property owners in the Regional District should refer to Bylaw # 2711, 2015.
The bylaw has been recently updated to include new species and emerging threats.
The species included under this Bylaw are listed below in Schedule A.
The bylaw and related information on mitigation can be obtained at the Regional District office or online at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/departments/public-works/pest-control/tree-fruit-pest-control/
All owners of fruit bearing trees or shrubs are responsible for controlling insect pests on their properties to prevent them from severely affecting nearby neighbours and professional growers. Two of the most common and destructive pests are the Spotted Wing Drosophila which infects all soft fruits and berries, including blueberries, raspberries, apricots and peaches, and the Western Cherry Fruit Fly.
The Regional District is urging that all property owners, both urban and rural, regularly inspect their trees and shrubs, take precautionary measures and become familiar with the signs of infestation as these destructive pests can be very prevalent and cause very serious economic impact.
The Regional District will respond to complaints concerning infected fruit bearing trees or shrubs and those not properly treated for the pests.
For further information, contact Public Works Projects Coordinator, Zoë Kirk at 250-490-4110 or toll free 1-877-610-3737 or by email: zkirk@rdos.bc.ca.
— This story was updated at 11:08 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017 to remove broken links supplied by the submitter.
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