Yosemite Officials Concerned About Spread Of SOD From Coastal Counties

Yosemite, CA — In an effort to prevent the introduction of the Sudden Oak Death pathogen into Yosemite National Park, officials are warning SOD infested coastal counties not to bring firewood, soil or plants into the park.

Sudden Oak Death, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora Armorum, affects over 105 known species. The disease has reportedly been decimating woodlands and forests along the Central California Coast and the state and federal governments have imposed quarantines to slow the spread of this non-native disease, including host plant material and soil from Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma Counties.

While scientists think that Sudden Oak Death might not ravage vegetation at Yosemite, so far from the coast, related species of Phytophthora have been found in Yosemite Valley, indicating that Sudden Oak Death could become established in the park´s forests and woodlands.