FORT FRANCES—The Ministry of Natural Resources is preparing to spray 15,000 hectares in the Fort Frances area to help slow the infestation of jack pine budworm.
Depending on the growth of the insects and certain conditions, such as humidity and wind, the ministry will begin to spray the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, this Saturday (May 27).
Rachel Hill, with the MNR office here, said jack pine budworm is a natural insect though there has been a population explosion recently.
“We are not trying to annihilate the population [with this spray], just knock it back,” she remarked.
Jack pine budworm reaches peak population levels roughly every 10 years, with the goal of the spraying to protect the trees in the area from defoliation, growth loss, and mortality.
“The [spraying] project means that we are going to ensure the [wood] supply to sawmills and the livelihood of the people in the [forest] industry,” Hill said.
Bt, the insecticide that will be sprayed, does not harm plants or wildlife. Rather, it only is toxic to certain types of insects, such as jack pine budworm.
“It’s a natural biological bacteria that is short-lived,” Hill explained. “It has been used for years in horticulture. If you’ve eaten salad, you’ve eaten Bt.”
Bt works by producing crystal proteins in the insect’s stomach, which are fatal.
Residents near the area being sprayed have been notified through ads in the newspaper and on the radio. Signs also will be posted at the sites being sprayed.
During the project, residents might notice an increase in airplane activity as the spraying requires 12 planes.
Hill said if the conditions are ideal, the project could be done within seven days of starting, but it could go on as long as until June 23.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
