2005 Budworm Spray Program

Parks Canada, in consultation with the Community Council, has approved a third year of BTK aerial spraying to control the spruce budworm infestation.

The decision was made after reviewing a report from BioForest Technologies Inc. that showed larvae counts still at levels that could trigger severe defoliation, given the right conditions. In addition, a recent study has shown that dampening budworm populations in two or more consecutive years in the middle of a severe budworm infestation cycle contributes significantly to a healthy forest over an extended period.

The results of the 2004 program were excellent. Combined with weather conditions favorable for healthy trees, the spray program resulted in a defoliation rate of about two percent – compared to 64 percent in 2003 – in the spray zone. Defoliation rates in the non-spray zone were about 17 percent. If you haven’t made your contribution to the program now is the time. Your donation, which is tax deductible, can be made payable to: