Science and Innovation for Improved Forest Health in

TNNP

Kirby Tulk, Janet Feltham, Rod CoxCIF-NL AGMNovemebr 20, 2014

TNNP- Ecological Context TNNP- Ecological Context

• 400 km2- Nearly 80 % forested

• Boreal forest dominated by spruce and fir.

• Moose were introduced to NF and are now hyperabundant.

• No predation

• Abundant supply of preferred forage species.

• Other introductions include snowshoe hare, red squirrels, and slugs.

• Intense and efficient fire suppression since the 1960’s- >80% of the forest is age class 5 or greater

Level of Regeneration in Disturbed Areas

TNNP(72 km2)

Impaired 76 %

Severely impaired/failed

19%

Suitable regeneration

5 %

Moose- Forest Conversion in TNNP•Over browsing on the boreal forest has created a significant forest health issue in TNNP.

•Already 13km2 (8231 hockey rinks) have been completely transformed into open fields-not enough trees to regenerate the forest.

Fire Suppression in TNNP-THE BADFire Suppression in TNNP-THE BAD• Increased age structure resulting in loss of habitat diversity,

lack of future habitat for SAR

• Encroachment of climax species -Kalmia, loss of species diversity –plant and animal

• Hazardous fuel accumulation

HOW BAD CAN IT BE??

Other impacts...Other impacts...Red crossbill

Erioderma pedicellatum

Newfoundland marten

Brief History of Moose Management in TNNP• Developed a hyper-abundant wildlife species

management plan to lethally control moose.

• Based on sound research- 16 peer reviewed publications on the effects of moose

• Moose Management Area established for TNNP.

• Year 4 of a moose reduction program (90 licenses issued. Approx. 60 moose taken from 2011-14

Year Success Rate

Moose vehicle accidents

Moose population

2011-12 50% 10 230

2012-13 55.5% 22 200

2013-14 41% 12 194

Adequate hunting pressureAdequate hunting pressure

• < 20% Browse• bF and Hardwoods are self-sustaining

Condition prior to huntingCondition prior to hunting

• >50% Browse• bF non-existent in 40 yrs• HRWDS disappear in 100yrs

Focused Moose ReductionFocused Moose Reduction

• Focused moose reduction-little gain• Majority of bF communities are distal to

accessible areas

Fire Management in TNNPFire Management in TNNP