According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, sudden oak death is the name given to an epidemic, first detected in 1995, that affects a variety of oak species. The disease is currently known to exist in the coastal ranges in California, between Big Sur in Monterey County and southern Mendocino County. Sudden oak death has been confirmed in Alameda, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties. While the occurrence and frequency of the disease varies from location to location, it is not known if the geographic distribution of infected trees is associated with climatic variables. The numbers of infected and dead trees are suspected to be in the tens of thousands.
H.R. 2144 (Woolsey, D-CA) makes a number of findings regarding the Sudden Oak Death Syndrome and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to research, monitoring and treatment activities relating to sudden oak death. In addition, H.R. 2144 directs the Secretary to conduct a number of management activities including providing grants to local governments. It would also create a Sudden Oak Death Advisory Committee.
S. 997 (Boxer) is the companion bill in the Senate.
In response to this legislation and past state and federal legislation, Marin County has created the California Sudden Oak Death Coastal Counties Council, which is intended to organize the twelve affected (infected) counties with the goal of seeking funding for the fight against Sudden Oak Death. Marin County Supervisor Cynthia Murray is leading the effort. |
While San Mateo County's Sudden Oak Death infestation is limited, the County is home to considerable agricultural activities (particularly nurseries). The agricultural quarantine of the County has created significant regulatory workloads for the Commissioner and her staff.
The amount of H.R 2144 grant funding or other assistance to the County cannot be determined. However, the overarching goal of the legislation and its ability to draw over $70 million over five years to the general effort to prevent Sudden Oak death Syndrome will have a benefit to San Mateo County through the legislation's ultimate goal of controlling and eradicating the disease.
Marin County Supervisor Murray's staff indicates that Marin County resources will be used to organize the Council. San Mateo County's responsibilities as a member of the Council will include only educating our Congressional delegation about the issue and the need for their support in seeking additional funds and seek their action at specified times. Congressmembers Eshoo and Lantos are currently co-sponsors to H.R. 2144.
H.R. 2144 and S. 997 are both currently in the House Committee on Agriculture. |
