First Spray in 2004 Budworm Control Program Done

The first 2004 application of BTK to control the spruce budworm was done on June 21st under excellent conditions.

After two days of delay due to unsettled weather condtions, Parks Canada officials decided to proceed with the spray program in the early morning of June 21st.  Weather condtions were ideal with a relative humidity quite high, sunny skies with some cloud, and a light breeze away from the lake.

The budworm larvae development was slower this year due to the cool weather.  Budworm development has advanced to the stage where the impact of spraying would be most effective. 

Due to the plentiful rainfall this spring and the effects of the 2003 spray program, the spruce trees are looking better than they have more many years.  The lush new growth, even on trees that had been severely damaged by the budworm in the last two years, confirms that the spray program was the right thing to do.

The second BTK application will likely be done in the next three or four days, depending on weather conditions.

Parks Canada officials are to be complimented for a well designed program.