October 06, 2005

The province will provide over $100,000 to the University of Manitoba in support of the Dutch Elm Disease Rapid Removal research and development project, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

"The province will also contribute additional staff and materials over the four-year term of this project to find more efficient ways of controlling the disease that devastates hundreds of trees in the province," said Struthers. "We are pleased to join with our partners in funding this important research."

The province, along with the Coalition to Save the Elms, Manitoba communities and the City of Winnipeg, are providing funding of $143,000 plus in-kind services such as staff, materials and equipment totalling $321,800. The province has committed a total of $19,367 this year, with $14,367 of that from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF).

The research will look at disease control methods including earlier removal of diseased trees and testing different pesticides more acceptable for use in urban environments.

The minister noted SDIF has helped communities meet their needs by providing grant funding to projects that demonstrate:

• partnerships between groups and individuals,

• pride in the community,

• concern for the environment, and

• long-term sustainability.

The fund supports the development, implementation and promotion of environmental innovation and sustainable development projects. 

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