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  • Writer's pictureNLFIA
    • Jun 15, 2021
    • 2 min read

NLFIA Disappointed with GMNP’s Refusal to Participate in the Early Intervention Control Program

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2021


NLFIA Member Companies Disappointed and Concerned with Gros Morne National Park’s Refusal to Participate in the Early Intervention Strategy Control Program


CORNER BROOK, NL


NLFIA member companies were disappointed to learn of Gros Morne National Park’s refusal to participate in The Healthy Forest Partnership (HFP), Early Intervention Strategy control program.

The program proposed by the Government of Newfoundland is in fact being spearheaded by Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service and the University of New Brunswick. It includes participation from the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the State of Maine. Early intervention research focuses on monitoring, detecting and treating small areas of relatively low but growing populations of spruce budworm before infestation reaches epidemic levels.


NLFIA’s full submission to Parks Canada can be read here: https://www.nlfia.ca/post/gmnp_budworm_control_program_response


Quotes


“We are greatly disappointed in Gros Morne National Park’s decision not to participate in the Early Intervention Strategy control program, and we are dismayed that the Park is ignoring the science and recommendations being presented by their federal counterparts at Natural Resources Canada. We are at a critical juncture in our ability to fight this outbreak here on the island, and if you simply look at Newfoundland and Labrador’s positive record at fighting Covid, we know this type of strategy can be effective.

We understand that budworm is a natural process. However, given our past track record with budworm epidemics, and the uncertainties of climate change on the population dynamics of the insect, we feel Parks Canada is shirking their legitimate responsibility to the forest community, by neglecting to participate in the Early Intervention Strategy control program. They are putting the remaining forests on the island, and our livelihood, at unnecessary risk.

When the time comes to review the results of this outbreak, it will be interesting to see if our Federal Parks system will be deemed liable for any losses, by allowing this critical budworm cluster to spread”. Bill Dawson Executive Director, NLFIA


“During the 1970’s outbreak we lost 5,100,000 cubic meters of wood, that’s 20 years’ worth! Quebec has already lost over 7 million hectares since this current outbreak started. Parks Canada is naive to think the island won’t be affected. It is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when!” Kevin Sexton Owner, Sexton Lumber Co.


Our Forests | Our Future


Media Contact:

Tammy Higgins, RPF

Communications & Public Relations

Tel: 709.638.5876

Email: OurForests@nlfia.ca


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About NLFIA – NL Forest Industry Association

The NL Forest Industry Association (NLFIA) represents 96 percent of the province's commercial forest resource production. Valued at $383 million annually and providing direct and indirect employment to over 5,000 people, the sector contributes significantly to the rural economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. Established in 2017, the Association's founding members believe collaboration and partnerships are key to strengthening, growing, and transforming the forest industry in the province.

Advocacy, Education and Promotion are the primary functions and strategic areas of focus for the Association.

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