July 7, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

1998 Hemlock looper control program

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods will be carrying out an insect control program against the hemlock looper. The proposed program consists of treating up to 20,000 hectares of mainly balsam fir forest on the Northern Peninsula with two applications of Bt. The program will commence within the next day or two and continue for approximately two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions and insect development.

Aerial application of Bt is a regular part of the department's annual control program against the hemlock looper. Bt is a biological insecticide used for specific tree defoliating insects such as the looper. There are no safety or health concerns with the application of Bt and because of this, it has been exempted from environmental assessment. The Bt will be applied using two single-engine spray aircraft working from the Port au Choix airstrip.

The specific areas extend from northeast of Brian's Pond, northeast to near Eastern Blue Pond, and from River of Ponds-Port Saunders eastward to Pikes Feeder, and from Eddies Cove West northward to Leg Pond.

The program will be carried out under licence from the Department of Environment and Labour and all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure human and environmental safety. Maps showing treatment areas will be available at the following locations:

• Regional Forestry Office in Corner Brook

• District Forestry Office in Port Saunders

• Department of Environment and Labour Office, Confederation Building, St. John's

Enquiries on the program can be made to (709) 637-2349 in Corner Brook or through the Department of Environment and Labour, Pesticide Control Section in St. John's (709) 729-3395. In addition, reports from the Newfoundland Forest Service will be sent to the media daily with information on spray activities, or those interested can call 1-877-637-2413 for a spray message that will be updated daily.

Contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6183,

Hubert Crummey, Insect Control, (709) 637-2424.

1998 07 07 11:45 a.m.