Bioforest Technologies- By Lisa Voortman

Bioforest Technologies provides early detection and assessment of major pest problems which could impact the forest resource and local aesthetics.

Bioforest is contracted by The Township of The Archipelago, and so far they are included in the budget for next year. Bioforest offers many different services to the township which can benefit landowners and their properties.

Services Offered

• Site visits
• Site specific monitoring
• Reports on findings
• Spray programs
• Educational workshops
• Training to those who wish to volunteer
• Pest pamphlets available on-line
• Assisted service via email, phone
• Plot network in pest populations
• Advanced warnings for pest outbreaks and explanation as to why there was a decline or an increase in pest populations
• Pest monitoring – which includes pheromone traps, egg mass and band counts, larval counts, impact assessment (defoliation)
• Aerial surveys

These services provide landowners with the information needed to detect problems in their area, or in other areas where trees are appearing unhealthy.

Importance to the South Channel Cottage Association

Being an Island community that is not just rock, but also rock and trees, we must be aware that insects can sweep across an entire island and unfortunately kill or severely damage the trees that live there. Different from other areas on Georgian Bay the South Channel has mostly treed islands making this channel susceptible to harm from pest insects.

Forests pests like:

• Hemlock looper
• Hemlock borer
• Introduced pine sawfly
• Gypsy moth
• Forest tent caterpillar

are of particular concern for the Georgian Bay trees. Available on the Bioforest or on the Archipelago website are fact sheets that can educate people on these types of pests.