Crews in western Newfoundland’s expansive national park are undertaking a significant tree-planting initiative to aid in the recovery of forests impacted by a once-robust moose population. Darroch Whitaker, an ecosystems scientist with Parks Canada at Gros Morne National Park, revealed that over 730,000 trees have been planted since 2023 in areas previously transformed into grasslands due to heavy moose grazing.
The planting efforts are expected to continue for another three years, targeting a total of 1.25 million trees across approximately four square kilometers. Beyond simply restoring the decimated forests, the teams are strategically selecting tree species capable of thriving in warmer climates to establish resilient forests that can better adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Whitaker emphasized the importance of planting trees that can endure for generations to come, considering the evolving climate scenarios. Gros Morne National Park, known for its majestic fiords and boreal forests interwoven with 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 throughout Newfoundland, their population flourished in Gros Morne due to historical protection from hunting, resulting in densities as high as six animals per square kilometer in the 1990s. The overabundance of moose led to widespread deforestation, as the animals consumed copious amounts of young trees, particularly in areas already compromised by factors like beetle infestations.
To address the issue, moose hunting was permitted in the park in 2011, effectively reducing the population to a more sustainable level of around 2,000 animals. In 2023, tree planters commenced reforestation efforts by introducing two-year-old saplings into the degraded areas to kickstart the regrowth process.
At the Rocky Harbour tree nursery, where many saplings are cultivated, Whitaker and his team are incorporating a variety of tree species, including black and white spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry. By utilizing seeds from the park’s southern regions, the team aims to ensure that the trees are acclimated to projected warmer temperatures by the time they reach maturity.
Whitaker stressed the significance of assisting tree migration in response to changing climates, as trees are stationary and require assistance to adapt effectively. Through these deliberate planting efforts and species selection, Gros Morne National Park is striving to establish resilient forests that can withstand future environmental challenges.
