Forest Health

Introduction

Forest Health, is a key component in Forest Stewardship.  The Forest Health Program, is responsible for the detection and quantification of forest health problems, and, where necessary, the prescription and implementation of protective or suppressive best management practices to  prevent insect, disease and mammal damage to reforested areas and old growth stands. The forest health program also evaluates the impacts of forest health damaging agents on forest resource values to inform the timber supply review process and other forest management activities.

Quick Links

Forest Health  (General)

• Forest Health Contacts
• Forest Health General Information
• Aerial Overview Surveys
• Forest Health Links
• Forest Health Legislation
• Forest Health Publications
  • UPDATED FS747 Damage Agent and Conditions Codes (also available through the MFLNRO forms index:
    • Conifer Codes
    • Deciduous Codes
  • 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

Training & Program Information

• Forest Health Training Portal
• Forest Investment Account Forest Health Activity Eligibility Criteria
• Forest Health Stand Tending Decision Keys – UPDATED 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 Thompson Okanagan Region web site)

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

Bark Beetles

• MFLNRO Mountain Pine Beetle Home Page
• MSMA - Policy and procedures for documenting and handling MSMA Legacy Trees
• Bark Beetle Management Technical information
• Provincial Bark Beetle Management Technical Implementation Guidelines

Diseases

• Pine Stem Rust surveys

Invasive Species

• Gypsy Moth  MFLNRO Gypsy Moth Home Page
• Federal Invasive Alien Species database (FIDS infobase)
• Balsam Woolly Adelgid (link to Ministry of Agriculture site)
• Invasive Alien Plant Program (Range Branch)
• Biocontrol Program for Invasive Plants (Range Branch)
• 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 20, 2012
The contact for this web page is: tim.ebata@gov.bc.ca