A Gig Harbor, Pierce County, WA landscape site adjacent to a previously positive repeat nursery has been found to have P. ramorum-positive soil. The confirmed site is along a drainage that had been found positive with infected salal plants in the summer of 2009. Soil sampling has been ongoing since the initial confirmation; however, this is the first time a positive sample has been recovered. The nursery associated with the site closed in August 2010, yet the retention ponds and outlet for the ponds continue to be positive for the pathogen. The nursery site is currently up for sale. The county has volunteered to remove the remaining host plants and material on the drainage banks where the previous salal find was confirmed in an effort to eliminate the pathogen's ability to become established. Survey work will also continue in the area. For more information, contact Michael Schell at michael.r.schell@aphis.usda.gov.
From the December COMTF newsletter
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