1.0 Introduction

Through its elected community council, Waskesiu residents and visitors have expressed deep concern about the white spruce defoliation in the townsite. This concern was substantiated in a 2002 report by BioForest Technologies Inc. entitled "A Review of the Eastern Spruce Budworm: Likely Impacts and Management Options in Prince Albert National Park" that stated, in summary:

The report is appended hereto. (See Appendix A)

Parks Canada has responded to this concern by deciding to "develop strategies that include the selective use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) in Waskesiu in the context of the vegetation management plan for the community. …The actual application(s) of Btk can only be authorized once more detailed plans and procedures are completed, including a thorough environmental assessment" (taken from October 18/02 letter from Anne Morin, Superintendent, Prince Albert National Park, which is appended hereto - see Appendix B).

On December 3 and 5, 2002, Parks Canada and the Waskesiu Community Association Inc. held public consultation meetings in Prince Albert and Saskatoon respectively, re: Waskesiu vegetation management plan and to seek public opinion about the proposal to spray Btk in the townsite to control the budworm infestation. Notes taken at the public meetings documented that the majority of the approximately 100 participants in total attending expressed support for a spray program to be implemented in the spring of 2003.

Subject to an annual review on the need for continuation of the program, it is anticipated that the program will include double applications of Btk, as described below, in each of three years beginning in 2003.

1.1 Justification for Spraying

The Parks Canada decision to allow the option of spraying in the Waskesiu Townsite was based on the requirements in the approved Waskesiu Community Plan which includes a number of objectives for our community, including the protection of the visual character of the community; the protection of native plant communities, and a collaborative approach to being a model environmental community". Parks Canada, in its decision letter to the Waskesiu Community Association Inc. stated that" …the advice of community representatives on matters affecting local interests is very important. The Waskesiu Community Council has provided clear advice on this matter" (refer to letter from Parks Canada, Appendix B).

The Waskesiu Community Association Inc. provided recommendation for a vegetation management plan and a spraying program through two motions at the September 20/02 council meeting. The full motions are appended hereto (see Appendix C).

1.2 2002 Impact Plot Data for Prince Albert National Park

Analysis of impact plots 65, 66, 68 and 69 in Prince Albert National Park (PANP) for 2002 was completed on August 23, 2002 (refer to appendix A BioForest Report p. 39-40). In addition, a modified impact assessment of white spruce was completed throughout Waskesiu Townsite. The protocol for the impact assessment in the Townsite was as follows:

• 9 locations selected at random and distributed throughout the Townsite;

• 10 white spruce selected at random for each location;

• White spruce evaluated as per impact plot tree protocol.

Table 1 outlines the 2001 and 2002 Spruce Health Indices for the PANP spruce budworm impact plots, including the impact plots in Waskesiu townsite. For descriptions of the codes, please refer to Spruce Budworm Impacts on White Spruce in Saskatchewan, 2001. As summarized by the Status Index, tree condition in the PANP impact plots has declined from 2001 to 2002.

Table 1. Spruce Health Indices for Spruce Budworm Impact Plots in Prince Albert National Park, 2002.

* Waskesiu Townsite - random assessment 2002
** Data not available

For the Waskesiu townsite, Table 2 summarizes the percentage of white spruce in each Cumulative Defoliation Class.

Table 2. Percent Waskesiu Townsite White Spruce in Each Cumulative Defoliation Class.

2.0 Proposed 2003 Aerial Spray Area

2.1 Objectives of the Program

Within the context of the PANP decision, the primary objectives of the program are to:

• Suppress SBW population densities to strive to achieve an overall reduction in defoliation and to reduce impacts associated with SBW effects.
• Reduce potential negative impacts of prolonged infestations on the urban forest, wildlife habitat, recreational values, fire safety, public safety, economic activity and the visual character of Waskesiu.
• Provide a bridge between the existing townsite vegetation and the long-term vegetation management plan that includes a vision of a majority of white spruce.
• Provide reduced unwarranted tree mortality; reduced defoliation of the urban forest, improved spruce tree health and vigor, reduced hazards to the public from dead and dead-top trees, and protecting the visual character of the townsite.

2.2 Spray Block Determination

The spray block determination was made through an analysis of the concentrations of white spruce in Waskesiu and public consultations. The guiding principle was to ensure judicious management of the areas that required spraying to reduce the impact of the budworm infestations as well as areas within the townsite where spraying would be unnecessary to achieve that goal.

2.3 Spray Block Hectares and Locations

The spray block proposed is the townsite of Waskesiu as defined by the geographical boundaries developed by PANP, with the following exception:

• Due to the elimination of the spruce in the Fuel Break Management Unit, spraying will not be required in this unit
• The consultant is invited to comment on the merits of a request by residents to exclude spraying in the Permanent Resident Management Unit, and to identify the overall significant impact and suggestions for reduction of impact.

Operational spraying, with double applications of Foray 76B (30 BIU/ha) in the townsite, excluding the area specified above, is about 529.221 hectares. Refer to the Map for operational block locations. This operation may be based out of Big River airstrip or Prince Albert airport, depending on logistics.

2.4 Biological Insecticide, Rate and Method of Application

All operational spray blocks will be treated with a biological pesticide containing the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk.). A spray aircraft will apply the registered Btk formulation Foray 76 B twice on each block at a rate of 1.5 liters / hectare in 2003 and, if required, in subsequent years. This rate is in compliance with label directions.

2.5 Monitoring Services

Abbot Deposit Application Monitoring kits will be deployed in the treatment areas. Pre and post spray assessment of treatment blocks will be conducted, including defoliation and population measures (refer to Btk 76B appended as Appendix D).

2.6 Efficacy

The effectiveness of spraying will be measured by an operational pre and post spray assessment and also by L2 surveying blocks in September/October. The pre and post spray sampling will provide an indication of population reduction 7-10 days after spraying. The L2 surveys will help predict the defoliation in the next year. L2 samples are collected from forest stands with visible defoliation or prime budworm habitat stands.

3.0 APPLICATION CONSTRAINTS

3.1 Weather

Spray operations involving Btk must be carried out when all of the following conditions are met:

• Relative humidity must be 50% or more.
• Wind speed must be over 0 km/hr and not exceed 13 km/hr.
• Temperature must be greater than 5 C and less than 21 C.
• No rain forecasted for 6 hours after application.
• Visibility not seriously hampered by fog or smoke.
• Air turbulence is not enough to affect settling of insecticide.
• Temperature inversions are not affecting settling patterns.
• Target foliage is not wet such that drops of water form at needle ends.

Weather data required for the program will be supplied by the fire and weather
stations in the area.

3.2 Spray Timing

Timing of bio-pesticide application in relation to spruce budworm and spruce shoot development is critical to a successful spray program. The product must be present on the flaring new growth of spruce foliage while budworms are actively feeding.

A contractor will monitor in the vicinity of the spray blocks. Blocks will receive treatment when the average larvae population peaks in the fourth instar, and when the host development index reaches a minimum of 4.0.

4.0 Required Permits

4.1 Spray Permits

• Provincial permits for loading, storage and handling will be obtained by the spray contractor

• A permit for the destruction of wildlife for management purposes will be obtained by the Waskesiu Community Association Inc. from the superintendent of Prince Albert National Park.
  

A signed-off Integrated Pest Management Plan will be obtained by the Waskesiu Community Association Inc.

4.2 Hazardous Substances Regulations

Aviation fuel storage containers used on the project may require ministerial approval to operate under these regulations. An application will be submitted by the aerial application contractor to the Commercial Branch, Saskatchewan Environment for approval of the aviation fuel container(s). Once approved, an operating certificate will be issued.

5.0 SAFETY PLAN

5.1 Safety Officer

The Spray Base Supervisor will be responsible for safety at the airstrip and will ensure that the well being of all personnel, directly or indirectly involved, is upheld. These responsibilities include: confirmation that all contractor operations are safe with respect to fire hazards; confirming safe working conditions and proper use of pesticide protective equipment including pesticide and fuel loading activities; and rinsing / disposal of storage containers. Regular inspections will be conducted and safety hazards identified. Emergency numbers will be completed and posted in a prominent place at the airstrip.
This officer will also ensure that a licensed radio operator will monitor and record all radio communications during operations.

5.2 Pesticide Handling

All personnel will be fully briefed on Canadian Labour Code (Part 2) regulations, safe procedures and proper protection to be used during pesticide handling. The loading area will be kept clear of unnecessary obstruction. The application contractor will be loading his own aircraft and must wear well-fitted goggles, rubber gloves, coveralls, rubber boots and proper hearing protection.

An adequate supply of absorbent material will be on site to soak up any fuel or pesticide spills. The loading area will be a non-smoking area. Placards will be placed appropriately to raise the safety awareness. A water supply, soap and towels will be readily accessible at the loading site. If a significant spill occurs, containment of the material will be necessary and local RCMP and the Spill Report Centre will be notified immediately.

5.3 Storage and Disposal of Containers

Bio-pesticide will come in 17,000 litre tanker trailers, which will be hauled back to the manufacturer. The pesticide label will be consulted for any special precautions related to storage, handling and disposal of containers.

5.4 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act

The bio-pesticide proposed for spraying is a non-regulated product and requires no shipping documents or placards.

The aircraft fuel is a regulated product and requires shipping placards. All drums and cylinders will be transported in a secured, upright position. The driver of vehicles transporting dangerous goods and the shipper both require a Certificate of Training "Transportation of Dangerous Goods".

5.5 Fire

The application contractor will supply five 20-pound ABC fire extinguishers at each spray base. There will be no smoking in the loading area and a No Smoking Policy will be enforced.

Spray operation personnel will attempt to suppress a fire only if they are sure it can be done with the equipment at hand. Otherwise, personnel will remove themselves to a safe position and call fire-fighting professionals.

5.6 Downed or Missing Aircraft

All spray aircraft will be equipped with AM radios supplied by the application contractor. Flight following will occur during hours of operation. Licensed radio operators will monitor and record radio communications.

A record of all aircraft departures and arrivals, as well as ETA's (Expected Time of Arrival) will be monitored to determine if aircraft are overdue.

A description of all aircraft on the project will be recorded and posted adjacent to the operations base radio. Radio and fire frequency to be forwarded at a later date.

6.0 AREAS OF CONCERN

6.1 Significant Areas

Lakes, rivers, streams and creeks will not be buffered when applying the biopesticide. The biopesticide proposed has no application restrictions around water. Spray aircraft will work diligently to avoid spraying water bodies.

6.2 Sensitive Areas

Sensitive areas include critical fish habitat, endangered species habitat and patented land. No buffer zone is needed.

6.3 Human Habitation Areas

The biopesticide poses no known health risk to human habitation areas and does not require a buffer zone.
Affected individuals were consulted through the vegetation management plan consultations and will be provided an opportunity to comment at the environmental assessment public consultation meetings.

7.0 COMMUNICATION PLAN

7.1 Spokespersons.

Don Ravis, Chair WCAI, will be the Communications liaison for the Waskesiu Community Association Inc.

Anne Morin, Field Unit Superintendent, Northern Prairies, will be the Communications liaison for Prince Albert National Park

7.2 Printed Information Materials

PANP and WCAI will make Fact sheets on Spruce Budworm and the bio-pesticide available to the general public. More detailed information on Btk and spruce budworm can be provided upon request.

7.3 Stakeholder Group Meetings

Representatives from PANP and WCAI have met with local stakeholder groups in the Waskesiu community to discuss the program and its intended outcomes.

Public consultation meetings will be held in accordance with the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act process to mitigate any concerns.

7.4 Print Advertising

A "Notice of Aerial Spraying" advertisement will be placed twice within the Townsite of Waskesiu, one 30 days before and another 7 days before anticipated spraying.
Efforts will be made to provide businesses, campers, day users, hotels, and other
Park users with advance information, to ensure that as much as possible, visitors
are aware prior to arrival at Prince Albert National Park.