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High times at Games
Dozens of dancers participate in a mass fling to mark the opening of the second annual High River Highland Games which were held in High River on Saturday at Highwood High School.
The Highland Games included Highland dance competitions, heavy games, sheep dog trials and piping and drumming competitions.
- photo by John Barlow
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Opinion  Citizens honored for peacekeeping efforts See News |
 Contestants vie for rodeo royalty See Arts & Entertainment  Gordon defends club championship See Sports |
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Drought conditions cause loss of trees
By Cindy BallanceEditor
Many of the Town of Okotoks trees may be lost this winter due to the extremely dry conditions over the last few months.
'The trees are in drought stress and we will lose a number of them,' said municipal manager Will Pearce.
'It is just one more sign of the extreme drought conditions we are facing.'
Parks foreman John Nibourg added that although the situation is serious, it is not critical yet.
'There are over 200 trees at risk right now, mainly boulevard trees,' said Nibourg.
According to a report presented to Okotoks council last week, due to the dry conditions tree roots are competing with turf roots for water and the turf usually wins.
Despite the bleak outlook especially on the newer, younger trees in Okotoks planted in the last few years, the town is taking measures to help alleviate the stress on the trees. Many of the trees at risk are those planted in the last three years where root development has not matured, said Nibourg.
The town is now asking residents to water trees in their boulevards.
Each tree requires at least 20 to 30 minutes of watering (about 90 gallons at least per week). Watering slowly allows the water to be absorbed deeply into the root mass.
In order to determine whether trees are in drought stress, residents are asked to look for leaves which are coloring, crispy or staying on the tree and often branches will droop and leaves will hang. These trees are in severe drought stress and should be watered heavily.
However, if trees are showing signs of going into early dormancy, they should not be watered heavily, but should be allowed to go dormant.
If the leaves are turning color, but are still flexible the tree has started to go into dormancy.
Nibourg added that it is the responsibility of residents to water boulevard trees.
'Most residents are fairly good at watering and looking after the boulevard trees,' he said.
In consideration of the outdoor watering restrictions in the town, Nibourg said that residents can still follow the same watering practices and take care of the boulevard trees.
'The watering window is fairly large and liberal (for residents). If everyone was watering to their maximum they would be over watering,' said Nibourg. 'If residents water (within the restrictions) there should be no problem.'
If a number of trees are lost due to drought and heat stress, there is a warranty on them, meaning that many will be replaced next spring.
