Media Advisory

Conference to Focus on Alien Insects, Pests

(Wednesday, September 26, 2001)--Throughout North America, major centers are witnessing serious new pest threats to trees and forests.

Whether it is from the results of greenhouse gas emissions, globalized movement of goods and materials, warming temperatures or the synergistic effects from these and other similar causes, it is clear that the impact from new and exotic pests can be devastating.

In California, sudden death oak syndrome is decimating oak stands; the Asian Longhorn Beetle is ravaging hardwood trees in Chicago and New York; British Columbia is experiencing a major outbreak of the Pine Bark Beetle; and in Halifax Regional Municipality, we have been battling the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle, an exotic species from Central Europe and Asia.

Local authorities need the tools and right information to promptly and effectively manage these new pest infestations in a cost-effective manner.

Therefore, the Canadian Forest Service, in conjunction with Halifax Regional Municipality, has invited urban forest professionals and scientists from U.S. and Canadian municipalities experiencing major infestations to a workshop September 27 - 28 in Halifax. Participants will share information and discuss protocols, strategies and policies to best manage these types of situations.

Representatives from Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Chicago, Toronto, Ottawa and HRM have been invited to attend this conference. A tour of Point Pleasant Park and update on the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle efforts in HRM is planned as well.

For further information on these workshops, please contact:

Dr. Tom Sterner, Ph.D.
Director - Forest Health Program - Atlantic Forestry Centre
Fredericton, New Brunswick
(506)-452-3506

Stephen King
Manager - Senior Advisor
HRM Parks & Natural Areas
(902) 490-6188