2003 Forest Insect Control Program completed

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford today announced the completion of the 2003 Forest Insect Control Program. This year�s program consisted of control action to combat two destructive forest pests: the hemlock looper and balsam fir sawfly.

"The forest insect control program is an extremely important component of government�s approach toward responsible forest management," said Minister Woodford. "Protecting our forests from harmful insects is required to ensure a healthy forest ecosystem for future generations. Failure to act in an effective and timely manner to control insect outbreaks can have a significant impact on the future of our forest resource."

The biological insecticide Btk and the insecticide Mimic were used in this year�s program to combat the hemlock looper. Control activity took place on the island portion of the province in the central and western regions. In addition, department officials worked in conjunction with the Canadian Forest Service to carry out an experimental balsam fir sawfly program in western Newfoundland using a naturally-occurring balsam fir sawfly virus.

Approximately 61,000 hectares of forest were treated as part of the hemlock looper control program. Of that area, approximately 37,000 hectares were treated with Btk, while 24,000 hectares were treated with Mimic. In addition, 5,000 hectares were treated with the balsam fir sawfly virus as part of the experimental sawfly control program.

Field staff with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods will conduct insect counts in treated areas over the next few weeks to evaluate the success of the 2003 forest insect control program. When all relevant data is collected it will be analyzed and evaluated. Results of the evaluation are expected to be available later this fall.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183

2003 08 13                                        10:05 a.m.