Subd. 1. Annual Inspection. As often as practicable, the Forester shall inspect all public and private premises within the city which might harbor any plant pest as defined in M.S. § 18G.02, subd. 24, as it may be amended from time to time, or this Code to determine whether any condition described in this section exits thereon. He or she shall investigate all reported incidents of infestation by Dutch elm fungus, elm bark beetles, oak wilt fungus, or any other epidemic disease of shade trees.
Subd. 2. Entry on Private Premises. The Forester or his or her duly authorized agents may enter upon private premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out any of the duties assigned him or her under this section.
Subd. 3. Diagnosis. The forester shall, upon finding conditions indicating Dutch elm, oak wilt, or other infestation, immediately send appropriate specimens or samples to the Commissioner of Agriculture for analysis, or take such other steps for diagnosis as may be recommended by the Commissioner. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no action to remove infected trees or wood shall be taken until positive diagnosis of the disease has been made.