Western Spruce Budworm Spray Program
The Ministry of Forests, South Coast Region, is planning to aerially treat areas of Crown
forests to reduce populations of the Western spruce budworm moth (Choristoneura occidentallis). The
biological insecticide Foray 48B containing the bacteria B.t.k. (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) will
be applied by helicopter once at each site on or about June 1st to July 1st, 2026, depending on weather
conditions and insect development.
Proposed treatment areas were selected based on severity of Western spruce budworm defoliation, Douglas-fir leading stand types, and proper access for weather monitoring and biological sampling during before, during, and after spray operations.
The proposed treatment sites are located within the Chilliwack and Sea to Sky Natural Resource Districts.
Sea to Sky District (Soo Timber Supply Areas) maps:
Brandywine and Callaghan valleys southwest of Whistler
Whistler-Cheakamus areas west of Whistler
Soo and Rutherford valleys north of Whistler
Twin and Lizzie creek areas southeast of Pemberton
All sites proposed for treatment are covered by the South Coast Pest Management Plan 2025-2030
(PMP). The PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be viewed online.
