The MD of Bonnyville has seen another record year for their shelterbelt tree program, distributing nearly 10,000 seedlings to property owners this past week.
The MD initially ordered 7,000 to cover anticipated demand for the program, but quickly had to order more as some varieties sold out almost immediately. Overall, the MD sold 3,000 more trees than they did last year.
MD staff have taken some measures of their own as well. Over 300 trees have been planted at the tree farm located east of La Corey at the reclaimed landfill.
The MD introduced the program after the federal government cancelled the long running Prairie Shelterbelt program in 2013. Ag and Waste Director Matt Janz told the MD this year was another record breaker for the local program.
It should be noted that while the MD has sent out 9,500 seedlings, that won’t translate into 9,500 full grown trees. A tree’s survival rate into maturity can vary wildly between type and a host of environmental factors.