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In a significant ecological effort, conservation teams in Gros Morne National Park, located in western Newfoundland, are undertaking an ambitious tree-planting initiative aimed at restoring the park’s forests, which have suffered from overgrazing by a once-thriving moose population. Since the start of 2023, approximately 730,000 trees have been planted in areas that were previously lush woodlands but have since transformed into grasslands due to extensive moose feeding. The teams anticipate planting an additional 520,000 saplings over the next three years, contributing to a total of 1.25 million trees across an area of around four square kilometres.
Understanding the Landscape
Gros Morne National Park, established in 1973, spans 1,805 square kilometres and is renowned for its dramatic fjords and rich boreal forests. This wilderness area has been a sanctuary for moose, particularly following a hunting ban that allowed their numbers to swell. At their peak in the 1990s, an estimated 6,500 moose roamed the park, leading to alarming population densities, with some regions supporting more than six moose per square kilometre.
This rapid increase in moose population resulted in widespread deforestation, as the animals voraciously consumed saplings and young trees. “We were recording some of the highest densities of moose that had ever been recorded in the world,” remarked Darroch Whitaker, an ecosystems scientist with Parks Canada. The absence of natural predators, combined with the moose’s lack of wariness around humans, led to their frequent presence in towns and along hiking trails, exacerbating the issue.
Addressing the Problem
In response to this ecological crisis, the government opened the park to licensed moose hunters in 2011, successfully reducing the population to a more sustainable level of about 2,000 animals. As the moose numbers decreased, efforts shifted to replanting the forest. Whitaker and his team have been strategically introducing a diverse mix of tree species to ensure the future resilience of the forest.
The initiative primarily involves planting two-year-old saplings, many of which are nurtured at a local tree nursery in Rocky Harbour. Whitaker explained the importance of selecting a variety of trees, including some less common species such as yellow birch, white pine, and wild cherry. These “boutique trees” are sourced from the southern parts of the park, where they are already adapted to the warmer temperatures anticipated in the coming decades.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
The focus on climate adaptability is critical. Whitaker highlighted that the trees planted today must endure for potentially up to a century. “We’re also thinking about the forecasted climate … decades into the future and making sure these are trees that will be suited for that,” he said. As climate patterns shift, the survival of these trees will depend on their ability to thrive under different conditions than those present when they were first established.
In a recent visit to the tree nursery, Whitaker and a colleague meticulously inspected young saplings for any signs of destructive pests. Their vigilance is crucial in ensuring a successful transition from nursery to the wild, where these saplings will face challenges from both moose and changing climate conditions.
Why it Matters
The tree-planting initiative in Gros Morne National Park is a vital step not only in restoring the ecological balance disrupted by overgrazing but also in preparing the landscape for the unpredictable impacts of climate change. By ensuring that a diverse range of species is planted, the park’s ecosystems can better withstand future environmental stresses. This project serves as a model for conservation efforts worldwide, emphasising the importance of proactive measures in fostering resilient natural habitats amidst shifting ecological realities.
