Jackson - Although Amador County residents are right to be concerned about tree deaths in our region, researchers say there is no evidence of Sudden Oak Death. Also known as Phytophthora Ramorum, the previously unknown and recently introduced non-native pathogen has killed hundreds of thousands of tan and oak trees in 14 coastal California counties. A number of dying trees have been reported upcountry, but according to Sean Kriletich, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Program Representative, there is no cause for alarm. “Since March I’ve received 20 calls and sent in 12 samples, and none have come back positive for (the pathogen) that causes Sudden Oak Death,” he said. He said any tree deaths upcountry are likely due to the long-term and persistent drought conditions in our region. Kriletich and UC researchers are not ruling out the possibility that the pathogen could spread to the foothills. “It is still a concern because occasionally we’ll get firewood that is coming in from the coast that could be potentially carrying remnants of the disease,” he said. Kriletich is urging any resident who suspects the pathogen to send him a sample for testing. “If we do have it here this is truly worrisome and we need to act as soon as possible,” he said. You can contact Kriletich at 209-223-6837 or 209-402-7801. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.