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July 4, 1997 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) 1997 Insect Control Program Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, would like to inform the public of the insect control program to be carried out against the hemlock looper for the 1997 season. Mr. Tulk is pleased to announce that the department will have a significantly reduced insect control program for 1997. "The results of the annual insect survey indicated a reduction of over 80 per cent in the hemlock looper population," said the minister. "The hemlock looper defoliation forecast for 1997 is only 26,000 hectares in the moderate to severe category, as compared to 189,000 hectares in 1996. This dramatic decline can be attributed to a combination of effective insect control action and the success of a natural enemy, a fungal disease, that affects the late larval stage of the looper." The program is expected to commence early July and continue throughout the month, depending on weather conditions and insect development. It will consist of treating up to 10,000 hectares of mainly balsam fir forest in western, northern and central Newfoundland with two applications of B.t., a biological insecticide specific for tree defoliating insects such as the looper. This program is carried out under licence from the Department of Environment and Labor. The areas in western Newfoundland extend from North Branch River/Codroy Pond north to French Brook and east to Highlands River near Bald Mountain; and in the McIvers/Cox's Cove area of the Bay of Islands. The areas in northern Newfoundland extend from Brians Pond north to Western Blue Pond and near Eastern Blue Pond. The central areas are west of Point Leamington. "All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure human and environmental safety," said Mr. Tulk. "To keep the public informed about the progress of the program, the Newfoundland Forest Service will send regular reports to the media." Enquiries on details of the program can be made to (709) 637-2347 in Corner Brook, or for a recorded spray message, call (709) 637-2622. In St. John's, further information can be obtained from the Department of Environment and Labor, Pesticide Control Section (709) 729-3395.
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