British Columbia’s Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan 2005–2010

Objective #2

Maintain and protect public health, safety and infrastructure.

The nature of this epidemic is so widespread that it affects more than the forest and direct forestry-dependent industries. In the short term, additional harvesting to salvage dead timber will cause an economic "boom" for some communities. This will include additional jobs and commercial activity, however like any economic surge it may also increase the percentage of transient or inexperienced workers, and will strain services and communities’ social infrastructure.

The short-term impacts are also expected to impact forest recreation facilities (e.g. danger trees in recreation sites), forest hydrology and watersheds, and the stability of steep hillsides where tree roots help hold the soil in place. Forest fire hazard may become more severe in some areas and community green-spaces will be affected. Many roads will experience traffic increases or changes in traffic patterns.

As the harvesting of salvage timber declines (likely starting in about 10 years), some communities will experience a significant reduction in forest harvesting and manufacturing related jobs and economic activity. This will create stresses on families and services, and place demands on community adjustment programs and social infrastructure.

Although the development of new opportunities and diversification of forest dependent community economies will help over the longer term, activity needs to start now if we are to succeed in avoiding the severe negative economic impacts.

2005/06 Actions:

These are actions that will be undertaken immediately on a priority basis. Substantial progress is expected over the next year, and activities will continue into future years.

5. Carry out fuel management and implement wildfire mitigation activities where necessary for public safety.

The Province will continue to work with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, Provincial Emergency Program, Office of the Fire Commissioner, federal and local governments and First Nations to carry out fuel management research and identify areas and develop FireSmart programs where the epidemic has seriously increased the hazard to public health and safety from wildfire, falling trees or other circumstances. Programs will be encouraged on public and private lands.

6. Assess the existing transportation network within the impacted regions and develop plans for necessary upgrades or changes.

Increased traffic and changed travel patterns due to accelerated timber harvesting will impact roads, bridges, water and rail transportation infrastructure. Public and worker safety, as well as travel efficiency and maintenance needs will be assessed by the Ministries of Transportation and Forests and appropriate programs initiated.

7. Work with communities to mitigate the damage to urban forests and subsequent loss of parks, green-space and other community values.

Urban forests, parks and green-spaces with mature Lodgepole Pine are being damaged by the epidemic. The Province will work with the federal, local and First Nations governments on mitigation programs within city limits.

8. Work with the federal government and private land owners to address the epidemic on private property.

The federal government provides financial assistance to private land owners whose property is 10 hectares or greater. The province will work cooperatively to ensure objectives are compatible with the overall forestry mitigation strategies.

Five-Year Actions:

• Work with the appropriate agencies and service providers to monitor trends in public health and safety that may be impacted by the consequences of the epidemic.

Over time it can be expected that the environmental and economic impacts of the epidemic will lead to social impacts. Where negative trends can be identified early, communities will be able to respond appropriately.

• Identify and monitor critical water supplies that may be impacted by the infestation or forestry mitigation activities.

In coordination with the Provincial Drinking Water Strategy, local users and communities, research and work will be undertaken to protect water supplies critical to domestic and agricultural use or fish habitat.

• Identify and monitor areas of unstable terrain that may be impacted by the infestation or mitigation activities.

Areas at increased risk of landslides, presenting a threat to public safety, infrastructure, water quality or fish habitat will be managed to minimize risks where possible.

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