For the City-Times

The state Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of oak wilt in several red oak trees along the main road into Rib Mountain State Park. Oak wilt is a fungal disease that eventually kills affected trees.

Although oak wilt has been present in Marathon County for many years, this is the first time it has appeared in the park.

“Oak wilt spreads two ways, through connected oak roots and by sap beetles feeding on fungal pads produced on infected trees” said DNR forest health specialist Mike Hillstrom.

While oak wilt affects all oak species, it is most severe in the red oak group.

Dawn Bishop, Rib Mountain property supervisor, said park staff is responding quickly to the disease.

“In the upcoming weeks, four oaks will be removed and the wood disposed of to prevent spread by beetles this spring” Bishop said.  “The area will be monitored during coming growing season to determine further management actions.”

To prevent the spread of oak wilt, the DNR recommends that pruning or oak tree removal be done between November and April 15th when the threat of transmission is lowest.

Interested individuals can read more about oak wilt by going to the DNR website -dnr.wi.gov –  and typing “oak wilt” in the search box.