Crews in western Newfoundland’s expansive national park are undertaking a significant tree-planting initiative to aid in forest recovery from a previous overpopulation of moose, once abundant in the region. 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 previously transformed into grasslands by voracious moose herds. The goal is to plant a total of 1.25 million trees across approximately four square kilometers over the next three years.
The reforestation effort not only aims to restore the damaged forests but also focuses on planting a diverse mix of tree species capable of thriving in warmer climates, thereby establishing resilient forests better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change. Whitaker emphasized the need for long-term sustainability, stating that the trees being planted today must endure for generations, considering the evolving climate conditions.
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. While moose are prevalent throughout Newfoundland, their numbers surged in Gros Morne due to a historical hunting ban that shielded them from human predators, leading to a population peak of around 6,500 in the 1990s.
The excessive moose presence caused widespread damage, with some areas hosting six or more animals per square kilometer, resulting in significant tree consumption and habitat destruction. The unchecked browsing led to the formation of barren patches known as “moose meadows” within the park’s forests. To address this ecological imbalance, moose hunting was permitted in 2011, successfully reducing the population to a more sustainable level of 2,000 animals.
In 2023, the restoration efforts began by reintroducing two-year-old saplings into the affected areas, kickstarting the process of replenishing the decimated forests. The tree planting operation, primarily based at the Rocky Harbour tree nursery, emphasizes the inclusion of a variety of tree species such as black and white spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry, sourced from different regions within the park to promote biodiversity and enhance climate adaptability.
Whitaker stressed the importance of selecting tree species and seeds from warmer regions to preemptively address future climate shifts, ensuring that the newly planted trees are resilient to anticipated environmental changes. By proactively assisting tree migration through strategic planting, the restoration project aims to foster sustainable forest ecosystems that can withstand evolving climate conditions for years to come.