State Makes Significant Progress in Removing Tukwila Trees.

Business Editors & Agricultural Writers

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) made significant progress in its first week of tree removal to eradicate the introduction of the Citrus Longhorned Beetle in Tukwila.

With respect to the one-eighth mile tree removal zone, most trees in the greenway area have been cut; a significant number of host trees on private properties west of Interstate-5 have been removed.

Contractor crews will begin cutting host trees -- fruit and hardwood varieties favored by the beetle -- east of the freeway this week.

The following is an update on last week's and upcoming activities:

-- All westside properties surveyed, most trees removed. Host trees (196) on properties west of the freeway located within one-eighth mile radius of the introduction site have been counted, measured, marked and recorded. The survey team delivered letters to residents that itemized trees to be removed on their properties as well as the credits they will receive in the tree replacement program. The majority of trees on private property west of the freeway have been cut and chipped. Contractor Chris Nash of Northwest Arbor-Culture, Inc. reports that he has not encountered opposition from residents in the community.

-- Eastside property surveyed. The survey team took inventory of host trees on most private residences east of Interstate-5 last Friday. Access was denied by at least two homeowners. WSDA plans to file a petition with King County Superior Court this week to request administrative warrants for the purpose of entering the properties and carrying out the beetle eradication program.

-- Interstate-5 tree removal. By last Friday, the WSDA crew had completed tree removal from the right-of-way on the west side of Interstate-5. About 135 trees were removed. The crew has moved on to cutting trees in the eastern Interstate-5 right-of-way.

-- Greenway area progress continues. Contractor, Northwest Arbor-Culture, Inc., has removed a significant number of trees in the greenway area west of Macadam Road.

-- Status of tree injection. A pilot tree injection test was conducted Thursday, July 11 on several trees, including willows, alder, maples and cottonwoods. The pilot project proved successful. According to Agriculture's Dr. Brad White, the trees' physiology is favorable to receiving injections of the systemic insecticide Imicide. Tree injection of approximately 1,000 trees within the one-quarter mile area is expected to begin in late July or early August.

For more information, please call our toll-free hotline at 800/443-6684, e-mail us at [e-mail], or visit our Web site at http://www.wa.gov/agr/CitrusLHBeetle.htm.