Parks Canada is standing by its decision not to participate in the spruce budworm spray program this year in Gros Morne National Park.

They have been criticized by industry and others who see an early intervention program without Gros Morne as potentially detrimental to areas outside the park.

Parts of the island, including Gros Morne, are currently experiencing an upturn in the level of infestation.

Roger Steadman, a spokesman for Parks Canada, says the decision was made following a thorough review of evidence and public consultation. Steadman says the majority of the people who responded favoured a “no-spray” approach.

Steadman says the spruce budworm is a native forest insect that will kill trees, but in doing so, make way for new growth.

You can notice a change in colour of the spruce and fir trees because of feeding activity. Steadman says they have noticed an increase in the bird population as a result of the uptick in infestation which provides more opportunity for feeding.