To combat the spruce budworm, forests in Northwestern Cape Breton will be treated early in June.
Natural Resources will be spraying in the Pleasant Bay area to help stop the spread of this aggressive species.
They say the budworms destroy softwood trees and increase wildfire risk.
The biological insecticide that’s approved to be applied aerially targets the larvae when it is most effective to eliminate them.
“By acting early in a small, focused area, we can help prevent much larger impacts on Nova Scotia’s forests in the years ahead,” said Kyle MacQuarrie, Ministerial Assistant for Natural Resources.
“Other parts of the country have recently seen the devastation the spruce budworm can have on their forests, and the risk it poses for forest fires. We want to be proactive in managing the effect of this species on our province.”
Natural Resources says this early remedy will help prevent population buildup, protect forests, and reduce wildfire risk, while decreasing serious impacts to rural communities and forestry jobs and reducing the need for repeat treatments.
The spray will primarily be done on Crownlands, however private landowners in the treatment area can opt in for their property to be included.
