Ministry of Forests Forest Science Program
		Abstract for FRDA Report 234

		A Biological Evaluation of the Prototype Standing Tree Debarking System (STDS) Used for Direct Control of Mountain Pine Beetle in Lodgepole Pine
		Authors or Ministry Contacts: H.S. Whitney, L. Safranyik and D.C. Moulson
		Branch: Research
		Subject: Equipment
		Series: FRDA Report
		Other details: Published August 1995

Abstract

The biological effectiveness of the Standing Tree Debarking System (STDS) prototype, which consists of a gasoline-powered, tree-climbing delimber/debarker (named the "Tree Monkey") and a hand-held, gasoline powered debarker, is evaluated. Data and observations are presented showing that, when fully developed, the STDS could be a useful addition to the arsenal of direct measures for controlling mountain pine beetle. A tool for measuring tree roundness was developed and used in five stands of lodgepole pine in British Columbia. The results indicated that the STDS could operate effectively on about 70% of the infested trees in the stands. If a production model STDS is made, tests should be run to compare the efficacy of STDS with fell-and-burn, MSMA (a chemical treatment), and other control methods now in use.

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