CATERPILLAR SPRAYING PLANNED FOR BATTLEFORDS PROVINCIAL PARK

Released on May 20, 1997

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management is planning on aerial

spraying for forest tent caterpillars this spring in The Battlefords

Provincial Park. The spray to be used (Foray) is a non-toxic

biological control agent, which specifically targets tent caterpillars

and does not harm wildlife, fish or people.



Tent caterpillar egg band counts conducted last fall indicate that

without spraying, trees in many areas of the park could lose more than

70 per cent of their leaves to the caterpillars this spring. In

addition to the unsightliness and inconvenience of large numbers of

caterpillars to campers, loss of so many leaves makes trees more

susceptible to various diseases.



Spraying is scheduled to start once the leaves are on the trees and the

newly hatched caterpillars begin feeding on them. In order to provide

adequate protection of the trees, the park plans to spray all major

treed areas including the golf course and campgrounds.



The dates for spraying depends on caterpillar development, but will

likely occur in late May and/or early June. The spraying will be done

in the early morning or late evening when wind and weather conditions

are most favourable. While the spray is non-toxic, campers, golfers

and cottage owners are asked to remain inside during spraying.



A public notice will be issued shortly before the spraying begins.



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For more information, contact:



Brent Webster

Battlefords Provincial Park

Phone: (306) 386-2212