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