This past three weeks below freezing destroyed all of my water Barrels. They completely froze and busted at the seems. 15 or so cans lost means I'm not replacing them. These trees can either survive without protection or die. I'm over it.

I had some plastic garbage cans that leaked.  Put large plastic garbage bags in them, filled with water and they did not leak all winter.  They were in a hoop greenhouse that warmed during the day so can't say how they would have fared in very cold conditions. 

I hope you will report your findings to the local and regional papers, the local and state governments and your national congressman and senators.  Perhaps this will light a fire to send people, effort and money for more effective management. 

If the response is muted it may be that they have already given up and intend only to observe the spread of the disease. 

Sent you a pm