Forest Health

Introduction

Forest Health, a component of the Silviculture Program, is responsible for the detection and quantification of forest health problems, and, where necessary, the prescription and implementation of protective or suppressive treatments to  prevent insect, disease and mammal damage to reforested areas and old growth stands. The forest health program also evaluates the effect of forest practices on forest health as these occasionally increase the risk of damage from insects, diseases and mammals.

Quick Links

Forest Health  (General)

• Forest Health Contacts
• Forest Health General Information
• Aerial Overview Surveys
• Forest Health Links
• Forest Health Legislation
• Forest Health Publications
  • FORREX Stand Establishment Decision Aids
  • Field Guide to Forest Damage in B.C.
  • Forest Health Progress Reports  - now in Archives

Forest Health Strategies

• Provincial Forest Health Strategy
• Provincial Forest Health Program
• Provincial Forest Health Implementation Strategy
• TSA Forest Health Strategy Template
• Regional and TSA Forest Health Strategies
• Future Forest Ecosystems
  • Biotic Agents Working Group report

Training & Program Information

• Forest Health Training Portal
• Forest Investment Account Forest Health Activity Eligibility Criteria
• Forest Health Stand Tending Decision Keys – Coastal | Interior
• Forest Health Information Management Index (links to templates for strategies and tactical plans, data standards, etc.)
• Free-growing Damage Criteria

Pest Specific Information

Defoliators (links to the SIFR web site)

• Western Spruce Budworm
• Douglas-fir Tussock Moth
• Western Hemlock Looper

Bark Beetles

• MFR Mountain Pine Beetle Home Page
• MSMA - Policy and procedures for documenting and handling MSMA Legacy Trees
• Bark Beetles in B.C. – general information on bark beetles
  • Timber Supply and the Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation in British Columbia – October 2003 (PDF, 1.5 MB)
  • Timber Supply Analysis: Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation
    Oct. 30, 2003 backgrounder
  • Link to BC Parks FAQ Page on Mountain Pine Beetle and Protected Areas
• Bark Beetle Management Technical information
• Provincial Bark Beetle Management Technical Implementation Guidelines

Diseases

• Pine Stem Rust surveys

Invasive Species

• Gypsy Moth  MFR Gypsy Moth Home Page
• Balsam Woolly Adelgid (link to Ministry of Agriculture & Lands)
• Invasive Alien Plant Program (Range Branch)
• Biocontrol Program for Invasive Plants
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency takes the lead in Canada for monitoring and investigating potential invasive forest health agents.  The public provides valuable assistance in their efforts. Here are some useful links:
  • CFIA Invasive Alien Species Homepage
  • Asian longhorned beetle identification

Last updated on November 26, 2009
The contact for this web page is: tim.ebata@gov.bc.ca