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AGENCY TO SHOW SITES IN ASH-FREE ZONE

Essex, January 13, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will begin showing sites to professional tree removal companies this week in preparation of creating the Ash-Free Zone and slowing the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer into Chatham-Kent. The Emerald Ash Borer kills ash trees and is now established in Essex County.

The Ash-Free Zone will be located on the western end of the Regional Municipality of Chatham-Kent and will require the removal and destruction of all ash trees in the zone. There will also be a ban on propagating ash trees within the zone and movement of all ash tree materials.

To diminish the imposition to affected property owners, the CFIA is assuming the responsibility for the cost of removal and destruction of ash trees from the area as well as making every effort to notify property owners before inspectors and contractors will enter properties and in advance of the cutting.

Additional information on emerald ash borer is available on the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca or call us toll free at 1-866-463-6017.