Northeast To See More Spraying For Budworm

Northeast To See More Spraying For Budworm

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 14:45

Aerial spraying to control spruce budworm infestations in selected areas of the northern provincial forest will begin in the next few days — weather permitting.

Saskatchewan Environment will treat approximately 25,000 hectares of forest in the Deschambault Lake and Amisk Lake areas with a pesticide called Btk, in an effort to protect valuable timber resources.

Department spokesman Dr. Rory McIntosh says that area of the North has seen a signficant budworm infestation in recent years.

While not everyone has been in favour of the spraying, McIntosh says the chemical is not harmful to other insects, fish, birds or wildlife, and poses no hazard to human health.

The government also says Btk does not build up in the environment — it survives only a few days after application if it is not eaten up by the budworm.

Spraying operations in northeast Saskatchewan are expected to continue for about two weeks.

The provincial spruce budworm management program is in its 15th year.