Workshop Catalog
TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER: HEMLOCK CONSERVATION PROJECT
……………. Nikita Lakhanpal, the Project Coordinator for the Town of Bridgewater’s Hemlock Conservation Project, will provide an insightful presentation on the pressing issue of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestation and the urgent need for municipal action. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive, aphid-like insect, poses a dire threat to the Eastern Hemlock, a vital species within our forests. These pests attach themselves to the base of the hemlock needles, where they feed on the tree's nutrient and water storage cells. This not only weakens the trees but, if left untreated, leads to a staggering mortality rate of 90-95% within just 4 to 15 years.
The problem is particularly concerning in Canada’s eastern provinces, where proximity to HWA populations in the United States has heightened the risk of spread. Since the discovery of HWA in southwestern Nova Scotia in 2017, including areas such as Digby, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Annapolis, and more recently Lunenburg in 2020, the threat has continued to grow, more recently being found in Halifax county. The Eastern Hemlock, known for its towering conical shape, shiny green needles, and vital role in forest ecosystems, is now facing unprecedented challenges.
Nikita will delve into the comprehensive measures being undertaken by the Bridgewater Hemlock Conservation Project to address this environmental crisis. The project is multifaceted, involving an extensive tree inventory to continuously monitor hemlock health, precise site preparation, and the application of pesticides such as IMA-JET 5% and XYTECT 2F, both approved for use by Health Canada. These pesticides, while safe for public use, are applied under controlled conditions with precautionary measures, including temporary park closures, to ensure community safety.
Community engagement is also a cornerstone of the project, as raising awareness and educating the public about HWA is crucial for the initiative’s success. Nikita will share how the team uses green and yellow tagging ribbons to identify trees that have been assessed or treated, helping the community recognize and support the conservation efforts. Additionally, the project aims to empower private property owners with resources to identify and manage HWA on their land, though a formal public program for private properties is still in development.
Importantly, Nikita will discuss how other municipalities can take proactive steps to start their own conservation projects. The Hemlock Conservation Project serves as a model that can be adapted to different regions, with an emphasis on collaboration, resource-sharing, and community involvement. By taking these steps, other municipalities can protect their hemlock populations and help curb the spread of HWA across the region.
As we face the growing challenge of invasive species and their impact on our natural landscapes, the work being done in Bridgewater serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of local action and community participation.
