Spruce Budworm Early Intervention Research Workshops

Spruce budworm populations are currently high in the province of Quebec and causing significant defoliation affecting over 9.6 million hectares of forest land in that province. Eating foliage over successive years causes the trees to die costing jobs, impacting the local ecosystems and the environment. Over the last several years, the epidemic has been moving towards NB. A significant dispersal event was observed in Campbellton and Dalhousie in 2016.

The Healthy Forest Partnership (HFP) has been researching the NB spruce budworm populations. From 2014 to 2019, the HFP researchers have identified and treated areas northeast of Edmundston, and south of Campbellton to Miramichi. While most of the research areas are located on Crown land, some private land are also recommended for treatment.

The HFP is hosting two open houses for representatives of local stakeholders, woodlot owners, First Nations, municipalities, government and the public. The openhouses will provide information on spruce budworm and the Early Intervention Strategy research conducted to proactively reduce populations. Anyone interested in finding out about the research and spruce budworm in general, is cordially invited to attend.

The open house is free and no registration is required. The details are as follows:

Campbellton

Date: February 19, 2020

Location: Quality Inn—157 Water St.

Afternoon Session

2:00 to 4:00 pm – Open house & displays

Evening Session

5:30 to 6:00 pm – Doors open

6:00 to 6:40 pm – Presentations

6:40 to 7:00 pm – Panel & questions

7:00 to 8:00 pm – Open house & displays

Edmundston

Date: February 20, 2020

Location: Four Points —100 Rice St.