- it doesn't have any predators so once established there's no natural controls
- it spreads very easily -- by wind, birds, by humans transporting wood
- it has a track record of wiping out entire Hemlock forests
What does it mean for Nova Scotia?
- the short answer is we don't know how it will progress
- first discovered in South Western Nova Scotia summer 2017
- Hemlocks are well established across the province
- trying to determine the extent of infestation
Why should I care about Hemlock?
- it has some commercial value
- it is our oldest living tree and very important in the forest
- if you fish ... it shades streams and rivers to keep the water cooler and healthier for fish
- if you hunt ... hemlock groves are important habitat for wintering deer
- if you are a naturalist ... important nesting habitat for birds
What can I do?
- If you see a snowy, cotton-like growth on Hemlocks anywhere in the province, try and get a picture and call Ron Neville at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency : 902-536-1022
- HWA is very small -- about the size of a pencil dot -- and can hide in the tree bark. Please do not move firewood. If you go camping, acquire your firewood where you burn it.
More information
- New resource for Hemlock health in Nova Scotia - nshemlock.ca
- Concise information on HWA from the Canadian Invasive Species Centre is [ here ]
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading the efforts with HWA. Ron Neville gave a detailed update on HWA at the March 2018 Western Woodlands Conference at you can read it [here]
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agencies plan for HWA is [ here ]
- A Scientific Journal article on HWA [ here ]
- The following 10 minute video is from the Blomidon Naturalist Society and provides information about Hemlock and HWA in Nova Scotia