Dear editor:

Responding to the discovery of a case of oak wilt at Niagara College, the Chautauqua Oaks Project, in consultation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, has completed an inspection of the trees the project planted in Chautauqua over the last five years.

Thankfully, none were found to be displaying signs or symptoms characteristic of oak wilt.

The Chautauqua Oaks Project will continue to be vigilant with the treasured young oaks.

The neighbourhood is particularly blessed with an impressive heritage oak tree canopy and the project, with the help of the Chautauqua Residents Association, is encouraging vigilance by providing some guidelines.

Preventive action is key to managing the threat.

We urge everyone who lives under the Great Chautauqua Tree Canopy, as well as the greater Niagara-on-the-Lake urban forest, to watch for telltale signs of oak wilt and to follow a couple of important preventive measures included in the accompanying illustrated guide.

Leslie Frankish
Director
Chautauqua Oaks Project