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Lai <br />M STATE <br />TAT E OF <br />11DEPARTMENT <br />OF NATURAL <br />PHONE NO. <br />Mary Kueffner <br />City of. Lake Elmo <br />3800 Laverne Avenue, North <br />Lake Elmo, MN 55042 <br />Dear Mary, <br />RE: Cooperative Oak Witt Suppression Program <br />RESOURCES <br />FILE NO. <br />29 March 1994 <br />Over the past few weeks, I have had many, of our cooperators asking questions concerning the status of <br />the federal oak wilt suppression funds for 1994. The rumor has been that these funds have been cut for <br />1994, and, while there is an element of truth in the rumor, I would hope that Mark Twain's famous quip <br />"That rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated' holds here as well. As best as I know, here's <br />the story. <br />On February 25, 1994, the federal Secretary of Agriculture sent a letter to the Office of Management and <br />Budget, OMB, (federaD with an attached "Request for an Emergency Pest Suppression Declaration Part <br />of the declaration is for federal assistance for oak wilt suppression in Minnesota. This is (and has been for <br />many years) the normal process for federal pest suppression assistance to states. As of today, the Director <br />of OMB has declined to approve the request. This has the effect of eliminating the program literally days <br />before many of the supported activities would begin. At the risk of under statement, it will derail Minnesota's <br />oak wift program plus a host of other related programs around the country. Wisconsin's Gypsy Moth <br />Suppression, slated to begin in several weeks, would also directly impact us. <br />I assume that, as this action would directly impact your program, it is a concern to you. As I see it, one of <br />two series of events now comes to pass. Either the request is supported by the communities it assists and <br />rises from the ashes.... (If you think that this is a worthwhile program, it would seem appropriate for you <br />to let your federal elected representatives know it is important. Senator Wellstone's staff is already aware <br />of the issue, but could always use another call or letter. There are also several Congressmen whose <br />Districts include communities with programs.) <br />... On the other hand, silence will send an equally strong message. <br />It seems ironic to note that Minnesota passed a milestone in its Oak Wilt Program a few weeks ago when <br />it treated it's 1,0001h infection center. You have now installed over 76 miles of vibratory plow line and <br />removed almost 3,500 spore producing trees. Good work <br />Sincerely, <br />Thomas G. Ell Ph.D., C.T.I. <br />Forest Health Specialist <br />(612) 772-7567 <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />