Thanks to a generous grant from Bayer CropScience and a Specialty Crop Block Grant from CDFA, the Citrus Mutual tree removal program has sufficient funding to remove neglected, abandoned, or back yard trees thereby removing potential HLB reservoirs in critical areas. Coordinating the program continues to be Joel Medina Reyes in the CCM office. “We’re not going to be removing groves nor be a charitable entity,” notes Joel, “but if there are trees that can be removed and the landowner is incapable of accomplishing the objective we can assist.” Informational flyers will be distributed in the urban areas with HLB Quarantine zones. Growers adjacent to those urban spots can reduce their vulnerability by contacting the CCM office should a tree removal opportunity arise.
