The Healthy Forest Partnership is always looking for ways to improve our research and how we treat spruce budworm., We know sometimes our work can create disruption for those who own homes or cottages around where we work. This is especially true when we are using aircraft to prevent an outbreak. This work typically occurs in June and can happen early in the morning and/or from early evenings to sunset. We have heard that the low-flying aircraft can create noise and the smell of fuel can be unpleasant for some.
This year, as a way to address those concerns, we incorporated helicopters into our aerial applications. Helicopters work well on steep slopes, around windmills, small hot spots and when in proximity to residential areas. Although there were no treatments in residential zones, we sometimes have to fly near communities and residential dwellings with our aircraft to reach target locations. Airplanes need more distance to take turns where helicopters need less. We were able to reduce residential flyovers with the use of helicopters this year because they require less distance to turn around.
We will continue to work to minimize disruption to our residents, improve our research and work safely to prevent a spruce budworm outbreak.
To learn more about the treatment used to prevent a spruce budworm outbreak in Atlantic Canada, see http://healthyforestpartnership.ca/what-we-do/targeting-and-treating/
To find out more about some of the technology and planning used to protect our forests, see https://forestprotectionlimited.com/.