Nova Scotia prepares for the next spruce budworm outbreak

They're the most destructive pests to be found in eastern Canada'ssoftwood forests in eastern Canada, currentlyinfesting forests in parts of Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador and their numbers can be in the billions.

But in spite of thethe horror-movie scenario, Nova Scotia officialssay doing nothing in some places might be a viable option forthe next spruce budworm infestation.

"On certain parcels of land, maybe we should do nothing, maybe we should let nature take its course," said provincial forest entomologist Jeff Ogden. "On other parcels of land that will be used for industry, we may want to protect that area."

Part of a natural cycle

The small, brown caterpillar is the larval form of the spruce budworm moth. As a caterpillar, it eats the needles of the fir and spruce trees, causing defoliation.

Spruce budworm infestations are part of a natural 30- to 40-year cycle in softwood forests. The last time there was an outbreak was 1979 to 1987 and Ogden said 2.5 million hectares were impacted.

Researchers have found spruce budworm numbers are still low in the province, but work has started to decide on strategies for the next infestation.

"In the past, it may have been done solely by the government, but now we cast a wide net and get a better idea of what everybody else feels we should do for the betterment of the forests of Nova Scotia," said Ogden. "Not just protect for industry but protect for other values as well."

Collaboration with other partners

That means working with campground and small business owners and the Mi'kmaw community.

Part of the government's work will be informed by stories gathered by the Unama'ki Institute for Natural Resources.

"We're looking to speak with elders who may have lived through the past outbreaks or looking to speak with individuals who still use the land for traditional use or employment purposes today," said Rory MacNeil, Spruce budworm project coordinator for the Unama'ki Institute of National Resources.

MacNeill says he's still working to set up interviews with individuals and groups across the province. The work will start in Cape Breton before moving around the mainland.