(Pyeongchang=Yonhap News) Reporter Im Bo-yeon = PyeongChang County conducted aerial surveillance to detect suspected pine tree pinewood nematode disease early and respond proactively due to the rapid spread of the disease in nearby areas.
Aerial surveillance is more efficient than ground surveillance as it allows for a wide field of view from a high altitude, and in the event of detected damaged trees during the survey, GPS coordinates are obtained and a precise aerial survey is conducted to confirm the infection.
The county plans to focus on aerial surveillance in areas near the border of PyeongChang County, including Hongcheon, Hoengseong, and Jeongseon, which are recent sites of nematode outbreaks, using a helicopter from the Korea Forest Service, and intends to continue aerial surveillance in coordination with the Korea Forest Service.
A county official said on the 10th, "Active cooperation and attention from residents are needed for the early detection of pinewood nematode disease," and urged, "If you find dying pine trees or illegally moved pine trees, please report it immediately (☎033-330-2090)."
limbo@yna.co.kr