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House passes bill aimed at
protecting orchards from pests, disease
Agricultural land owners
fighting off pests and diseases coming from abandoned and infested
orchards would get relief under a bill that passed the House of
Representatives today. The bill’s primary sponsor is
Rep. Cary Condotta,
R-East Wenatchee.
“This bill addresses a
growing threat to our orchards, especially in Central Washington,” said
Condotta. “It offers an easy, safe and affordable solution to an obvious
problem.”
Substitute House Bill 2545
would give local governments authority to let landowners burn abandoned
orchards with trees harboring moths and other nuisances. That decision
currently rests with the state. The bill requires that – before burning
– the orchardist get a written recommendation from the local pest board
or agricultural extension that burning is the most acceptable method for
preventing and controlling the spread of horticultural pests or
diseases. It also stipulates that burning can not occur if a community’s
air pollution levels are too high or air quality is impaired. The bill
would only apply to counties with populations less than 250,000.
Infestation from abandoned and torn-out orchards is a particular problem
in the East Wenatchee area. The Department of Ecology has not allowed
landowners to burn these orchards, saying such activity does not
constitute “ongoing agricultural burning,” which is allowed by law. The
only option left to property owners is chipping the trees, which costs
about $1,300 an acre – compared to $250 an acre for burning. Many of
these orchard owners have gone bankrupt and cannot afford the price of
chipping.
“State regulations have stood in the way of getting rid of this
problem,” Condotta said. “Big agencies approach problems much
differently than people at the local level. Local people understand how
directly these problems affect our neighbors, our jobs and our way of
life, and they’re motivated to find a workable solution. This bill would
give local government more control, keep our air quality standards in
place and help solve the pest and disease problem.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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