Invasive species are causing concerns for foresters in Renfrew County.
Last week (October 28th, 2021), County Forester Lacey Rose provided an update on the health and status of forests across the County of Renfrew.
Rose told members of county council the hottest topic over the last two years has been the LDD moth (Lymantria Dispar Dispar), formerly known as the Gypsy moth.
In 2020, Rose says 13,000 hectares (ha) of forests in Renfrew County were defoliated by the LDD moth.
In 2021, 146,000 hectares of local forests and 1.7-million hectares across Ontario were defoliated.
The LDD moth mostly targets poplar, birch, oak and maple trees.
Rose says the good news is most healthy trees can survive two to three years of defoliation.
In terms of spraying for the LDD moth, Rose says it would cost anywhere from $300,000 to $800,000 to do 30% of the county forests.
She adds if you spray and your neighbour doesn’t the inspect might return next year.
Rose says it’s important to educate the public on the importance of slowing the spread of invasive species.
Rose says invasive species spread through increased use on the landscape, recreationalists spreading seeds in boots, ATV and bike tires or by moving firewood to cottages.
Other concerns and invasive species found in Renfrew County forests include the Emerald Ash Borer, Beech Bark Disease, Black Legged Ticks, Butternut Canker, and Garlic Mustard.
More information on the LDD moth can be found online here.
Bottom photo in the month of July shows an area defoliated by LDD moth around Calabogie. Photo – County of Renfrew council meeting, October 28th, 2021, delegation from Lacey Rose.
Map of areas defoliated by LDD moth in 2021 across Ontario produced by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.