August 6, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Minister announces completion of 1999 Forest Insect Control Program

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, has announced today that the 1999 Forest Insect Control Program has been completed.

This includes: the balsam fir sawfly program in Western Newfoundland using dylox and the experimental biological insecticides B.t.i and a natural sawfly insecticide; the yellowheaded spruce sawfly control program in Central Newfoundland using the experimental biological insecticide Neem; the hemlock looper control program on the Northern Peninsula using the biological insecticide B.t.k.

A total of approximately 11,300 hectares were treated as part of the 1999 program. Thirteen hundred hectares were treated with one application of dylox as part of the balsam fir sawfly program while 135 hectares were treated as part of the balsam fir sawfly experimental control program.

On the Northern Peninsula approximately 9,800 hectares were treated with B.t.k (3,300 hectares with one application and 6,500 hectares with two applications) while in Central Newfoundland about 60 hectares were treated.

"I am pleased to see that the operational phase of the program has been completed. The forest insect control program is an extremely important aspect of this department's integrated approach to pest management. Protecting our forests from damage caused by harmful insects is necessary to ensure this valuable resource is around for future generations," said Aylward.

Over the next two months environmental monitoring crews will continue with tests on drinking water, aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial insects as required by the operator's licence issued by the Department of Environment and Labour.

Aylward said: "Forestry technicians with the Newfoundland Forest Service will also be in the field conducting insect counts. Results will be available once all information is collected, analyzed and evaluated." This process is will be finalized in approximately three months.

Media contact: Craig Renouf, (709) 729-6183.

1999 08 06 12:45 p.m.