Bulletins
Gros Morne National Park will not be Included in Spruce Budworm Spray Control Program
Issued: June 11, 2021
Ends: October 01, 2021
Rocky Harbour, NL, June 9, 2021 – After a consultation period and careful and informed consideration, Parks Canada has decided that Gros Morne National Park (GMNP) will not be included in the Early Intervention Strategy (EIS) spruce budworm control program being implemented in western Newfoundland as requested by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Spruce budworm is a native forest insect, and episodic outbreaks are a natural ecosystem process that leads to forest diversification and renewal but can also affect the forestry industry and domestic wood harvesters. Following a review of policy and the best available evidence, and taking into consideration feedback received through a public consultation process, Parks Canada has determined that intervening to prevent a spruce budworm outbreak within the national park could impact the ecological integrity of its forest ecosystem. The scientific review also found there is limited evidence to suggest that including GMNP in the program would be necessary for the success of the EIS outside the national park.
This decision was made following a thorough review of evidence to inform policy and legislative considerations, as well as feedback received through a public consultation process. Despite the decision not to participate in the provincial spray program, Parks Canada is committed to working with partners by supporting EIS research and monitoring, which can contribute to scientific understanding of the efficacy of the EIS and its effects on the health of the forest ecosystem.
The EIS is a research program being delivered by the Healthy Forest Partnership which includes Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, all four Atlantic provinces, academia, and the forest sector. EIS is a novel management approach that involves treating spruce budworm “hotspots” (smaller areas where populations are still low, but are increasing) with the objective of preventing an outbreak from occurring, with minimal or no defoliation to forests. The EIS uses aerial spraying of the pesticide Btk to keep budworm populations below levels where they can be controlled by natural mortality. The program was initiated in western Newfoundland in 2020 in areas outside of the national park and will continue in 2021.
Parks Canada has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management and is committed to restoring forest health both inside Gros Morne National Park and in the greater ecosystem.
Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation. Through its Conservation and Restoration Program, Parks Canada takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national parks including Gros Morne National Park and those elements of Outstanding Universal Value that earned Gros Morne its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Information:
Janet Warren
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit
Parks Canada
709-632-8137
janet.warren@canada.ca
@parkscanadaNL
www.facebook.com/GrosMorneNL
Spruce budworm is a native forest insect, and episodic outbreaks are a natural ecosystem process that leads to forest diversification and renewal but can also affect the forestry industry and domestic wood harvesters. Following a review of policy and the best available evidence, and taking into consideration feedback received through a public consultation process, Parks Canada has determined that intervening to prevent a spruce budworm outbreak within the national park could impact the ecological integrity of its forest ecosystem. The scientific review also found there is limited evidence to suggest that including GMNP in the program would be necessary for the success of the EIS outside the national park.
This decision was made following a thorough review of evidence to inform policy and legislative considerations, as well as feedback received through a public consultation process. Despite the decision not to participate in the provincial spray program, Parks Canada is committed to working with partners by supporting EIS research and monitoring, which can contribute to scientific understanding of the efficacy of the EIS and its effects on the health of the forest ecosystem.
The EIS is a research program being delivered by the Healthy Forest Partnership which includes Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, all four Atlantic provinces, academia, and the forest sector. EIS is a novel management approach that involves treating spruce budworm “hotspots” (smaller areas where populations are still low, but are increasing) with the objective of preventing an outbreak from occurring, with minimal or no defoliation to forests. The EIS uses aerial spraying of the pesticide Btk to keep budworm populations below levels where they can be controlled by natural mortality. The program was initiated in western Newfoundland in 2020 in areas outside of the national park and will continue in 2021.
Parks Canada has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management and is committed to restoring forest health both inside Gros Morne National Park and in the greater ecosystem.
Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation. Through its Conservation and Restoration Program, Parks Canada takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national parks including Gros Morne National Park and those elements of Outstanding Universal Value that earned Gros Morne its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Information:
Janet Warren
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit
Parks Canada
709-632-8137
janet.warren@canada.ca
@parkscanadaNL
www.facebook.com/GrosMorneNL
- Date modified :