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Consumers statement on oak wilt distressing

The recent statement issued by Consumers Power regarding Oak Wilt in Alcona County is distressing on a personal and policy level. Our expectation is that Consumers Power will take ownership of the damage done to our property and will also commit to following oak trimming guidelines in the future to protect Northern Michigan forests. The statement offered none of these assurances and was designed to mislead.

The facts:

Consumers Power contractors trimmed oak trees along the power lines in June 2016, against published DNR recommendations to avoid cutting oaks between April and October when the fungus causing oak wilt can be spread.

Three of our oak trees died of Oak Wilt within months after being trimmed. They were confirmed to have Oak Wilt after being tested.

No un-trimmed trees in the same area died of Oak Wilt.

The spray used to protect the cuts was black and not applied consistently.

Best practice for treating an infected oak is trenching of the roots to break connection with other trees, then safe removal of the tree from the property. The stumps may be removed or buried.

I acknowledge that Consumers Power has removed many of the 28 diseased trees identified this summer. This effort is truly appreciated.

However, future communication and restoration needs to be approached completely head-on, without spin or confusion. The informational sessions offered by Consumers Power must be accurate and honest — the landowners deserve it.

My property has been reduced in both beauty and value. I expect Consumers Power to monitor the infected areas for the next several years and treat adjacent trees that become infected using best practices. I also expect Consumers to avoid damaging other forests by adopting company policy to not cut oak between April and October.

It is the right thing to do.

Wendy Frye

Hubbard Lake

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