Canadian Forest Service Publications
Assessment of spruce budworm impacts in the Hawk Hills management area. Final report 1998. 1998. Volney, W.J.A.; Watson, D.O.; Boxall, P.C. Alberta Environmental Protection, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Manning Diversified Products Research Trust Fund Report MDFP22/95. 154 pages.
Year: 1998
Issued by: Northern Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 33067
Language: English
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
The behavior of the spruce budworm in white spruce stands in sprayed and unsprayed blocks was contrasted. Populations in blocks sprayed operationally with BTK were suppressed for 2 years. Where population suppression was used, populations were suppressed up to and including the generation that fed in 1997. Cost benefit analyses evaluated on the impacts of the pest on tree growth alone suggest that all control strategies investigated were superior to simply letting the outbreak run its course. However, a preemptive strategy that prevents stands from becoming damaged is best. If tree mortality is considered, the benefit cost analyses are even more persuasive. The impact of bud worm feeding on the scenic beauty of forest stands was evaluated using survey instruments. It is concluded that the effects of chronic defoliation has a significant impact on the quality of the scenes perceived by the general public and Forest Protection Officers.