The Beetle Challenge: An Overview of the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic and its Implications 

6. Designing and Developing the New Forest

Restoration of forest resources is largely focused on overcoming the gap in timber supply expected to occur after salvage operations are complete and minimizing the risk of future epidemics. The BC government is exploring ways to mitigate the future fall down in timber supply through, for example, the use of fertilization, planting of fast growing species and innovative silviculture strategies. The BC government estimates that the total cost will be between $800 million and $1 billion. It is currently seeking funding from the federal government.

• BC MPB Action Plan Objective #6: Restore the forest resources in areas affected by the epidemic

The BC MPB Action Plan identifies seven key restoration strategies:

• Identify and prioritize the reforestation of productive sites
• Manage species, age and other parameters to ward off infestation
• Accelerate growth of current trees through stand treatments (brushing, spacing, thinning, fertilizing)
• Restore ecosystem productivity on priority basis
• Adaptive monitoring, research and innovation
• Address policy constraints

Thus far there are no official regulations that specify reforestation and silviculture standards for post-salvage lands. The major concern in restoration discussions is that replanting pine, which is often native to the area and a commercially appealing, will simply lay the groundwork for another epidemic.

Internet Resources:

Kimmins, J.P., Seely, B., Welham, C. and Zhong, A. (2005). Possible Forest Futures:Balancing Biological and Social Risks in Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemics Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative Working Paper 2005–11. (CFS)

Parfitt, Ben (2005). Battling the Beetle: Taking Action to Restore British Columbia’s Interior Forests. Vancouver: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

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To comment on this website, or suggest additional resources, please contact: George Hoberg.