NLIS 2
July 21, 2006
(Natural Resources)
 

Minister announces completion of 2006 Forest Insect Control Program

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale today announced the end of this year�s Forest Insect Control Program to combat the balsam fir sawfly.

The balsam fir sawfly is a destructive forest pest that has been damaging valuable timber stands throughout Western Newfoundland for several years. As part of the 2006 program, 15,200 hectares of forest area was treated over a two-week period in the Deer Lake, Goose Arm and Bonne Bay Pond areas using the biological control product Abietiv.

The development and use of Abietiv is part of the department�s integrated approach to forest pest management. The biological control product was developed by the Canadian Forest Service and provincial Forestry Services Branch, in partnership with industry.

"This product is developed from a naturally-occurring virus found within the sawfly population and only impacts the sawfly species," Minister Dunderdale said. "The provincial government is committed to using forest insect control products that do not pose unacceptable risks to our environment. The product has no effect on the environment, wildlife or other insects."

The Abietiv product was used on a trial basis in the province between 2000 and 2005. The data collected was analyzed by Health Canada prior to the start of the 2006 program and is now permitted to be used in the province.

Field staff with the Department of Natural Resources will conduct insect counts over the next several weeks to determine the success of the program. All relevant information will be collected and analyzed, with the results expected later this fall.

"The Forest Insect Control Program is an important component of responsible and sustainable forest management," Minister Dunderdale said. "Government and the pulp and paper industry have made significant investment in silviculture activities over the years to sustain our forest resources. Responsible forest management includes protecting this valuable timber from insects, which will inflict serious damage on our future forest resource if left untreated."

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703

2006 07 21                                                    9:30 a.m.