UCCE Marin Annual Report 2008

Sudden Oak Death

Sudden Oak Death Program

Janice Alexander, Program Coordinator

Janice Alexander

Science-based outreach helps stem sudden oak death

The Sudden Oak Death program provides technical assistance to other counties, agencies, and the public in collaboration with the California Oak Mortality Task Force (COMTF). It focuses on the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which can have devastating effects in the wildlands it inhabits and has had substantial impacts on the nursery industry internationally. Read more about how this outreach can help lessen the spread and impacts of Sudden Oak Death in the article by California Agriculture.

Without a cure, treatment and prevention are our best defense. -
Mark Stanley, Chair, California Oak Mortality Task Force

Tribal collaboration on website

Tribes are among those most affected by sudden oak death because many of the host plants are integral parts of their culture. "Acorns are an important source of food and bay laurels are important in ceremonies," says Alexander. To help tribes use plants safely, COMTF launched a Native Plant and Tribal Resources web page in summer 2008. The page lists native plants associated with sudden oak death, with their traditional names and uses by various tribes, and provides guidelines for plant gatherers.

Outreach reaches far and wide (See the SOD Blog)

Janice and her staff spoke to 1,180 people and professionals at 29 events in California; 14 sessions were in Marin County including all districts. More than 5,000 requested downloads of hand-outs, printed materials and brochures were accessed from our website.

We wish to donate $127.48 and hope that our money will be a big help in saving oak trees. - Trinity School 5^th grade, Menlo Park

If you are a person with a disability and require this document in an alternate format (example: Braille, Large Print, Audiotape, CD-ROM), you may request an alternate format document by using the contact information below. If you require an accommodation (example: ASL Interpreter, reader, note taker) to participate in any county program, service or activity, you may request an accommodation by calling 415-499-4204 (or CRS dial 711) not less than four work days in advance of the event.