The most recent threat to oaks is posed by the tiny Gold Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) which is killing mature oaks. They have been found in a County Park in Orange and there currently is no treatment. Infected trees must be properly cut down and destroyed. Only buy wood where you burn it lest you transport this pest and infect new areas. The GSOB is about half the diameter of a penny.
Winter 2018 (PDF – 753 KB) Highlights: The Wins Keep Coming! (Madrona) Esperanza Hills Mary Hanson’s Passing Yes on Prop. 68 Powder Canyon History Activities With Legislators Burn It Where You Buy It Spring = Mating Season Raceway Proposed Next to Park
The risk from these pests is present in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Note: As of this date, campfires are not permitted in Chino Hills State Park. But, since some residents burn wood in their fireplace and store wood outside, this information is helpful to slowing the spread. From Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s E-Newsletter: OC Parks is initiating a new firewood policy designed to reduce the risk of damaging Orange County’s oak and sycamore woodlands and other trees from invasive … Read More