SPRUCE BUDWORM AERIAL SPRAYING TO BEGIN

Aerial spraying to control spruce budworm infestations in selected areas of the provincial forest will begin in the next few days if weather conditions are favourable.

Saskatchewan Environment will treat approximately 25,000 hectares of forest in the Deschambault Lake and Amisk Lake areas of northeastern Saskatchewan. The biological pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacterium deadly to certain types of caterpillars, will be used. Spraying operations are expected to continue for about two weeks.

"Spruce budworm is a natural part of our forest ecosystem but high populations can cause significant damage to valuable timber resources," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "Our budworm management program aims to protect these resources by managing heavy infestations in carefully selected areas, while allowing the insect to play its natural ecological role in most areas."

Btk has been safely used around the world for nearly 40 years. It is not harmful to other insects, fish, birds or wildlife and poses no human health hazard. Btk does not build up in the environment, surviving only a few days after application if it is not eaten by the target insect, the budworm. Results of the program are monitored and reported.

The provincial spruce budworm management program has been operating since 1992.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Rory McIntosh Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-3617 Email: rmcintosh@serm.gov.sk.ca