The changing forest of Jeremy’s Bay Campground

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Parks Canada knows that many campers feel a special connection to Jeremy’s Bay Campground. We understand that it is difficult to witness change in the places we love – in this case, drastic and rapid change as a result of an invasive species.

On this page

Eastern hemlock, the defining tree of Kejimkujik

A hemlock branch.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on the underside of a Hemlock branch

One of the longest-lived trees of the Wabanaki-Acadian forest in eastern Canada, Eastern hemlocks and the cool, shaded forests they create are an essential part of the Kejimkujik experience; indeed, many visitor facilities and iconic places are located in hemlock stands.

A new threat

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect that feeds on hemlock trees. The insect, first detected in Kejimkujik in 2018, is a significant threat: without intervention, HWA could result in the death of up to 90% of the park’s Eastern hemlock trees within 4-15 years of infestation.

What changes will campers see?

Taking care of the forest and protecting campground infrastructure will change the aesthetics of the campground.

Parks Canada has adopted an active and integrated management approach to help the the hemlock-dominant forest of Jeremy’s Bay Campground withstand this invasion:

  • protecting individual iconic Eastern hemlock trees with chemical insecticides,
  • using restorative silviculture to improve forest resilience, and
  • releasing predatory biological control agents to reduce the HWA population.

Restorative silviculture

Restorative silviculture in Jeremy’s Bay Campground includes removing 25% of the hemlock overstory in areas with high hemlock densities and planting seedlings of Wabanaki-Acadian forest species to improve the diversity and resilience of the forest.

Planted deciduous seedlings are then protected with tree tubes or fenced-in exclosures to minimize deer browsing. Parks Canada staff monitor the growth of seedlings and remove tree tubes and fencing when trees are no longer susceptible to deer browse.

Staff works next to a tall wooden fence.
Deer exclosure fencing protects seedlings from deer browse in Jeremy’s Bay Campground
Two staff slide a tree tube over a small seedling.
Tree tubes protect seedlings from deer browse in Jeremy’s Bay Campground

Landscaping

Parks Canada staff have applied various landscaping techniques within the campground to mimic the natural look that campers are used to seeing at Jeremy’s Bay Campground. For example, some logs are being used to border campsites, while others are being used for rustic benches. 

We are leaving some of the felled trees on the ground, contributing to soil nutrient cycles, providing protection for understory vegetation, and limiting erosion around inclined areas.

Protecting the forest at Jeremy’s Bay Campground

While much of the forest will be left to transition naturally, Parks Canada staff have been actively working to protect priority Eastern hemlock stands and manage the impact of HWA.

A diverse forest containing many species and tree ages is more able to withstand pests, disease, storms, and climate change. Currently, the forest of Jeremy’s Bay Campground is made up of 35-50% hemlock, with some stands as high as 90%, making this area of Kejimkujik highly susceptible to the threat of HWA.

Parks Canada is managing the impact of HWA in Jeremy’s Bay Campground by implementing an integrated pest management approach, including:

  • protection of approximately 1,350 individual Eastern hemlock trees in the campground with chemical insecticides
  • removal of approximately 1,300 hemlock trees to promote establishment of other, more resilient species and reduce the HWA population
  • planting of approximately 7,000 seedlings of Wabanaki-Acadian forest species to improve forest resilience
  • releasing approximately 1,100 Laricobius nigrinus beetles as biological control, through partnerships with the Canadian Forest Service
  • implementation of a firewood importation ban to reduce further spread and infestation of invasive forest species

Firewood importation ban: slowing the spread of invasive species

The movement of firewood can be a vector for the spread of invasive forest species. The control of firewood importation is important to protect the forest. This practice helps to reduce further spread of invasive species populations and limits the introduction of additional invasive species.

Parks Canada works closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to implement detection and control measures for invasive species, including the firewood importation ban.

All imported firewood is prohibited in Kejimkujik and only firewood purchased within the park is permitted, with some specific exceptions.

Visitors who would like to have a campfire can:

  • purchase kiln-dried kindling and wood at Kejimkujik
  • bring commercially available heat-treated kiln-dried firewood, fibre logs, or processed fire bricks in the original sealed packaging

Purchasing firewood in Kejimkujik

Where to purchase bundles of kiln-dried kindling and wood at Kejimkujik.

Kejimkujik’s firewood will continue to be supplied by the Friends of Keji Cooperating Association, a non-profit group that supports park programs and services.

When purchasing firewood in the park, visitors will receive a firewood permit at no cost. Visitors may be asked to produce this permit during their visit. Those without a valid firewood permit may have their firewood seized, fined $237.50 per incident, and may have their camping permit cancelled.

Bringing in commercial firewood

Please note that lumber does not meet the criteria and will not be permitted for use in campfires.

Visitors to the park will be required to relinquish any firewood they bring to the park that does not meet the requirements outlined above for packaged wood.

How can campers help?

Visitors play a key role in the forest renewal at Jeremy’s Bay Campground and invasive species management.

We need your help: 

  • Help diversify the forests by participating in the Plant a Tree, Save a Forest summer program
  • Be aware of the impact that YOU have in slowing the spread of HWA and other invasive pests
  • Leave the tree limbs and forest debris on the forest floor to provide nutrients for the future forest (do not move, gather, or burn)
  • Mind the fenced exclosures and tree tubes: these protect young saplings from deer
  • Play Clean Go Canada: follow recommended biosecurity measures by decontaminating your pets, vehicles, and shoes when travelling between forest stands
  • Do not use imported firewood; burn only firewood purchased onsite
  • Stay on the trails so you don’t trample new vegetation
  • Talk about it with someone! HWA and other invasive pests are a problem here, but also at home. Sharing information is one way to help stop their spread.

Learn more:

Protecting Kejimkujik's hemlock legacy, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

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