Crews are currently engaged in a massive tree-planting initiative within Gros Morne National Park in western Newfoundland to aid in the recovery of its forests from the impact of a previously extensive moose population. According to Darroch Whitaker, an ecosystems scientist with Parks Canada in the park, approximately 730,000 trees have been planted since 2023 in regions that were once forested but had been transformed into grasslands due to the voracious appetite of the moose.
The project is expected to continue for an additional three years, during which a total of 1.25 million trees will have been planted, covering an area of around four square kilometers. The focus is not just on restoring the forests decimated by the moose but also on planting a diverse mix of tree species that can thrive in warmer conditions, thereby establishing resilient forests better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change.
Whitaker emphasized the importance of selecting tree species that can endure changing climatic conditions, as the trees being planted now must be able to survive for decades to come. Gros Morne National Park, known for its majestic fiords and boreal forests intersected by rivers and waterfalls, spans 1,805 square kilometers and was established in 1973 as the second-largest national park in Atlantic Canada.
Moose have historically been abundant in Newfoundland, particularly in Gros Morne, where they were protected from hunting, their primary predator, leading to a surge in their population. By the 1990s, the park harbored around 6,500 moose, with some areas hosting six or more animals per square kilometer. This high density of moose had a profound impact on the landscape, as they consumed vast quantities of young trees, hindering natural forest regeneration.
Following the opening of the park to moose hunting in 2011, the population has been reduced to a more sustainable level of 2,000 animals. In 2023, efforts to replant the decimated forests began, with tree planters focusing on the restoration of areas previously ravaged by moose browsing. Saplings, typically two years old, are sourced from the Rocky Harbour tree nursery, where Whitaker and his team meticulously oversee the cultivation and inspection of the young trees.
The tree species being reintroduced to the park include black and white spruce, balsam fir, as well as “boutique trees” such as yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry, predominantly found in the southern region of the park. To ensure the trees are well-suited for future climatic conditions, seeds from the southern part of the park are being utilized, as these trees are already acclimated to the anticipated warmer temperatures expected as they mature.
Whitaker underscored the significance of assisting tree migration by strategically planting species adapted to changing climates, as trees cannot relocate on their own once they have taken root. By taking proactive measures to introduce climate-resilient tree species, the restoration efforts aim to safeguard the park’s forests for generations to come.