Halifax looks to protect hemlocks in city parks from invasive insect
Halifax’s Hemlock Trees to Receive Protection Plan Against Invasive Insect
Halifax is taking action to protect hemlock trees on municipal land from the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that has been devastating hemlocks in Nova Scotia since at least 2017. The insect was only recently detected in Halifax Regional Municipality in 2023, prompting city officials to devise a treatment and management plan to combat its spread.
The plan, presented to the city’s environment and sustainability standing committee, involves injecting hemlocks in certain areas with a chemical insecticide that can effectively protect the trees for up to five years. The program will be implemented by a combination of contractors, municipal staff, and volunteers.
Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini, who chairs the committee, expressed his personal connection to the issue, highlighting the emotional impact of losing these iconic trees. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in preserving the local environment, citing successful initiatives like the LakeWatchers program.
The hemlock woolly adelgid poses a significant threat to hemlocks, capable of killing up to 95 per cent of trees in an area within just three years. In addition to the loss of trees, the plan notes that there are other negative effects, such as increased fire risks and flooding in affected areas.
The initial phase of the plan will focus on treating hemlocks in 15 municipal parks, covering most of the 70 hectares of hemlock found within the municipality. Sites were prioritized based on provincial data and public feedback, with Bedford’s Sandy Lake Park being the first on the list due to previous reports of the woolly adelgid in the park.
The program is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $200,000 per year for a five-year treatment cycle. While funding is secured for the current fiscal year, additional resources will be needed in future budget cycles to sustain the program. Halifax staff are exploring options for additional funding from private sources, grants, or potential cost-sharing with the province.
With nearly 350 of HRM’s 900 municipal parks expected to contain eastern hemlock trees, the plan aims to protect a significant portion of the municipality’s hemlock population. The environment committee has passed the plan along to regional council for final approval, signaling a commitment to safeguarding Halifax’s hemlock trees for future generations.
