Crews are hard at work revitalising the forests of Gros Morne National Park in western Newfoundland, where an ambitious tree-planting initiative is underway. In response to the overwhelming impact of a once-thriving moose population, which devastated young trees across the landscape, Parks Canada has committed to reforesting the park with a carefully selected mix of species designed to endure the challenges posed by climate change.
A Forest in Decline
Darroch Whitaker, an ecosystems scientist with Parks Canada, has been at the forefront of this reforestation project. Since the start of 2023, teams have planted approximately 730,000 trees in areas that were previously dense forests but have been transformed into grasslands due to the insatiable appetites of moose. The plan is to continue this effort for the next three years, ultimately aiming to plant a staggering 1.25 million trees over an area equivalent to four square kilometres.
“The trees we plant today need to be resilient enough to survive for the next century,” Whitaker explained during a recent visit to the Parks Canada tree nursery and greenhouse in Rocky Harbour. “With climate change already altering our environment, we must ensure these trees are suited for the conditions of the future.”
A Changing Ecosystem
Established in 1973, Gros Morne National Park spans 1,805 square kilometres and is renowned for its imposing fjords and lush boreal forests. However, the park’s delicate ecosystem has faced significant challenges. Once home to an estimated 6,500 moose in the 1990s, the population density in certain areas reached levels considered among the highest globally, with more than six moose per square kilometre.
This surge in the moose population, largely unregulated due to a hunting ban, led to a dramatic decline in young trees, as the animals feasted on saplings and other vegetation. Whitaker noted that the moose, once unperturbed by human presence, wandered freely through roads and towns, effectively decimating the region’s young forests.
“In areas where trees would naturally regenerate, the moose have eaten all the fresh shoots,” he remarked. “What we have now are extensive bald patches, or ‘moose meadows,’ scattered throughout the park.”
A Controlled Population
The situation prompted officials to reopen the park to moose hunting in 2011, a move that successfully reduced the population to a more manageable 2,000 individuals. With the decline in numbers, the opportunity arose to restore the forest. In 2023, teams began planting saplings—many sourced from the nearby nursery—into these moose meadows, providing a new lease of life to areas that had been stripped bare.
On a recent Thursday, the small nursery in Rocky Harbour was bustling with activity. Rows of young saplings, including red maples and other native species, filled the space. Whitaker and his colleague diligently inspected the plants for pests as they prepared to return to the meadows.
Future-Proofing the Forest
Gros Morne’s native tree species, such as black and white spruce and balsam fir, are being supplemented with a selection of “boutique trees” like yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry. These trees are primarily found in the park’s southern regions, and the seeds used for planting have been carefully chosen to ensure they are already adapted to the warmer temperatures expected in the coming decades.
“A tree can’t migrate on its own; it’s stuck where it starts,” Whitaker explained. “They can’t keep pace with the climate changes, and that’s why we’re providing a helping hand.”
Why it Matters
The reforestation project in Gros Morne National Park represents a crucial step in restoring not only the physical landscape but also the ecological balance of this vital ecosystem. By planting a diverse mix of trees that are resilient to climate change, the initiative aims to create a sustainable future for the park’s forests, ensuring that they can thrive for generations to come. The efforts here highlight the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in the face of changing global conditions, serving as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.