© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2024
In this edition of EcoNews, we release our map showing where thousands of hectares of New Brunswick forest are sprayed with herbicides this summer. We encourage you to see if spraying is happening near your community and use our tools to speak out against this practice. We’ll also delve into the complexities of wildfires, exploring their role in our ecosystem and how climate change contributes to more frequent and severe fires, including stories from two New Brunswickers with first-hand wildfire experiences. Additionally, read on to check out the launch of our new podcast!
Where are New Brunswick’s forests being sprayed?
New Brunswickers care deeply about our forests. That’s why we’ve released our 2024 herbicide map, showing where thousands of hectares of forest are sprayed with herbicides this summer. Click the link below to see if spraying is happening near your community, and use our letter-writing tool to urge your MLA to end this outdated, taxpayer-funded practice.
Understanding wildfires
Wildfires are a complicated issue. Rising temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change have led to more frequent and severe fires. However, forest fires can also be beneficial, adding nutrients to the soil and helping old-growth forests.
This complexity was explored in artist Karen Leblanc’s community art project, Branch Out and Weave for Climate Change, part of our From Harm to Harmony program. The project brought community members together to weave branches and share stories about their experiences with fire.
These stories have inspired us to launch a wildfire campaign this August. Our new webpage dives into the role of wildfires in our ecosystem and offers resources on how to prepare for and prevent them. Check it out by clicking below:
Conversations with the Conservation Council
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new podcast! It’s currently available on YouTube, but we’ll be expanding to other platforms soon.
In each episode, our staff will discuss the environmental issues that matter most to them and share ways you can help make a difference in New Brunswick. Check out our first episode by clicking below!
Facing the flames
In May 2023, Judy Johnson and her husband had to evacuate their home near Saint Andrews due to a wildfire sparked by an ATV fire. Thankfully, a firebreak they had created around their property saved their home. Sadly, nearby properties, like Annie Stewart’s family home, were not so lucky.
As part of our August wildfire campaign, our latest blog post highlights how climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in New Brunswick. Read by clicking below:
Mill makeover concerns
We’ve recently submitted our comments on the environmental impact assessment for Irving Pulp and Paper’s proposed upgrades to the Reversing Falls Mill. Our concerns include potential ecological impacts, increased production and emissions and issues with how emissions data is being normalized. Click below to read our full submission.
Bottle drive success!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our bottle drive last month for Plastic Free July. With incredible support and participation from our community, we collected and recycled hundreds of plastic bottles! Every bottle donated supports are work and is a step toward a more sustainable future. Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together to go plastic-free!
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Here are the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary:
CCNB in the News
July 30 | Biological insecticide BTK is being considered to combat forest tent caterpillars damaging maple trees in northwestern New Brunswick. Our executive director, Bev Gingras, spoke to the Canadian Press, highlighting that while BTK can be effective, it must be used carefully as it affects all moth and butterfly larvae. Bev also noted that climate change might make maple trees more vulnerable to pests. Read the story.