TreeAzin Treatment: A systemic insecticide derived from neem tree extract, injected into the trunk, where it circulates to disrupt the growth of emerald ash borer larvae and limit their reproduction. Effective for two years, it is applied to healthy ash trees (<30% dieback, DBH ≥ 15 cm).

Diseased Tree Management Program in Odanak

The Band Concil of Odanak has established a support program for property owners to manage diseased trees, with a particular focus on ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer. The program offers free assessments of ash trees and necessary interventions, including treatments, tree removal, replacement tree planting, and follow-up care. This program serves multiple objectives, such as:
  • Ensuring public safety by reducing the risk of falling branches.
  • Preserving the environment and the ecological benefits of mature trees, such as soil stabilization, soil enrichment, and biodiversity support.
  • Limiting the spread of the emerald ash borer within Odanak.
  • Maintaining the aesthetic and quality of the tree canopy.
These conservation efforts are part of a broader approach to protecting and promoting black ash, a tree essential to the community’s identity and traditional craftsmanship. They also contribute to climate change adaptation strategies by prioritizing nature-based solutions.

Impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on Abenaki Culture

The emerald ash borer is an Asian beetle that arrived in North America in the early 2000s. It attacks all species of ash trees, threatening black ash, an emblematic tree of the nation and vital to the cultural practice of basketry. The known black ash stands in the community are now severely degraded and beyond saving. However, several white and red ash trees have been treated through this support program. While these species are not suitable for basketry, they contribute to the community’s landscape and identity, both on private lands and near the dock at Marsh 1.

Process

Property owners with ash trees on their land must submit a request to the Odanak Environment and Land Office by email or phone before June 30 to receive assistance during the summer. The responsible team schedules an initial tree assessment between July and September, considering various factors such as trunk diameter, signs and symptoms of decline, and tree location.

If an intervention is recommended following the assessment, it is carried out at no cost to the property owner and may include, if applicable:

  • Treatment of the tree, scheduled for the spring following the assessment.
    or
  • Tree removal, if necessary, scheduled for the fall following the assessment, with a replacement tree (150 cm in height) planted in the spring after removal.

Then,

  • Follow-up on the treated tree or newly planted tree.

In some cases, a wait-and-see approach may be recommended if the tree is too young for treatment. Before any intervention, the property owner is informed of the process, and their consent is required.

Note:

Treatments must be renewed every two years. Once the process is initiated, the responsible team ensures necessary follow-ups.

1 Treatments must be renewed every two years. Once the process is underway, the team responsible for it ensures the necessary follow-up.
FraxiProtect: A biopesticide based on the Beauveria bassiana fungus, applied in a specific trap where adult emerald ash borers become contaminated, subsequently spreading the infection within the adult population of this species. Effective within a 25 m radius for one year, it is applied to healthy ash trees (<30% dieback) with sufficient robustness to support the trap. Its use is generally recommended alongside TreeAzin.

Other Diseased Trees

This policy may also apply to other species vulnerable to known diseases (e.g., American beech, American elm), subject to a specific evaluation.

What the Program Does Not Cover

Certain situations are not covered by the program, such as:
  • Healthy trees with no known risk of disease or infestation.
  • Healthy trees that the owner wishes to remove for aesthetic or functional reasons (e.g., too close to a building or infrastructure).
  • Trees showing minor symptoms that do not pose a risk to public safety or ecology.
In all cases, eligibility for an intervention is determined based on a case-by-case assessment by the responsible team.
For more information, to request an assessment, or to report a diseased tree, contact the Odanak Environment and Land Office: