Crews in western Newfoundland’s expansive national park are undertaking a massive tree-planting initiative to aid in the recovery of forests that were decimated by a large moose population in the past.
Darroch Whitaker, an ecosystems scientist with Parks Canada at Gros Morne National Park, reported that over 730,000 trees have been planted since 2023 in areas that were transformed into grasslands due to extensive grazing by moose. The plan is to continue planting for three more years, with a target of 1.25 million trees covering approximately four square kilometers.
The reforestation effort is not only about restoring the previously damaged forests but also focuses on planting a diverse mix of trees capable of thriving in warmer climates to establish robust forests resilient to climate change.
Whitaker emphasized the importance of selecting tree species that can endure changing climatic conditions for the next century. He highlighted the strategic planning involved in ensuring the trees are well-suited for future environmental conditions.
Gros Morne National Park, renowned for its majestic fiords and boreal forests intersected by rivers and waterfalls, spans 1,805 square kilometers in western Newfoundland and stands as the second-largest national park in Atlantic Canada.
While moose are common across Newfoundland, their population in Gros Morne soared due to a historic hunting ban that protected them from human predation, their primary threat on the island. In the 1990s, the park harbored around 6,500 moose, with some areas hosting over six animals per square kilometer, leading to some of the highest moose densities globally.
The excessive grazing habits of the moose posed a threat to the ecosystem, especially in areas where natural regeneration was hindered. This resulted in the formation of barren patches, known as moose meadows, scattered throughout the park’s forests.
To manage the moose population and initiate forest regeneration, moose hunting was permitted in the park in 2011, reducing the numbers to a more sustainable 2,000. Subsequently, tree planters began the reforestation efforts in 2023 by planting two-year-old saplings in moose meadows.
The saplings, mainly black and white spruce and balsam fir, are supplemented with “boutique trees” like yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry from the park’s southern regions. By incorporating seeds from warmer climates within the park, the reforestation project aims to establish trees adapted to future temperature changes.
Whitaker highlighted the significance of assisting tree migration in response to climate change, emphasizing the need to provide support for trees to adapt to shifting environmental conditions.
The ongoing initiative reflects a comprehensive strategy to restore the ecological balance in Gros Morne National Park and safeguard its biodiversity for generations to come.
