2008/2009 Mountain Pine Beetle
and Forest Fire Control Program
Prince George, BC
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
The mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C.'s central interior can be traced back to 1993 and in the larget forest infestation in Canada's history.
The mountain pine beetle (MPB) is one of the three major bark beetles found in BC. The beetles attack lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and more rarely, white pine.
Pine beetle larvae spend the winter under bark and continue to feed in the spring and transform into pupae in June and July.
Flights can begin as early as June or Jluy and continue into September. Female beetles fly to new trees, in search of new pine for food sources and reproduction purposes.
The beetles bore through the bark where they emit pheromones that attract more beetles, including males to mate. The illustration below outlines the typical lifecycle of the
mountain pine beetle.
Residents are requested to assist in managing the infestation within the City by removing infested trees from their property.
Click to here access our Report an infestation form.
THE THREE COLOUR STAGES OF INFESTATION
A mountain pine beetle infested tree will go through the following three colour stages:
- Green is the earliest stage of infestation.
The beetles have infested the tree, but the pine needles
retain their normal colour and appear healthy until the
following spring.
- Red is the middle stage. This stage occurs
in the year following the initial infestation. Beetles from
the previous year have already left the tree by mid summer.
Sometimes red trees may host a second infestation.
- Grey is the last stage. The beetles are
long gone. The tree is dead or dying and poses a threat
as a fire hazard.
A mock up visualization is available in the panel to the
right demonstrating the progressive stages of infestation.
Click here for
the larger version.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A PRIVATE LAND OWNER
There are a number of steps land owners can take to alleviate the potential for a beetle infestation on their property.
Look for Mountain Pine Beetles
- Early detection, during the June to July summer flight season, is key.
- Holes and dust created by the beetles drilling into the bark, pitch tubes, woodpecker activity, or discoloured needles.
- Peel away bark to expose larvae galleries and beetles.
- Check for the insect prior to hauling pine firewood. Do not bring infested firewood into the City.
Dealing with the Infested Trees
- Report infested trees to the City of Prince George by calling 250-561-7600 prior to any tree removal.
- The best method is to log infested trees and mill or debark them during the winter, before the beetle flight season begins, June through to September.
- Consult an experienced arborist, forestry consultant or tree removal company who is insured and licensed to perform the required work. Report an infestation form
- Bark should be burned, buried or placed in a secured black plastic bag under direct sunlight for at least two weeks.
WHAT IS THE CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE DOING ABOUT IT?
The City, the Ministry of Forests and TDB Consultants Inc are working together to try and minimize the impact of the
mountain pine beetle infestation and spread within city limits. Approximately 45% of the forest cover in Prince George
is at risk of being affected by the mountain pine beetle
Beetle tree locations in the city are identified by:
- Aerial mapping techniques
- Beetle probes in high probability areas
- Reported sites
The goal is to find and remove green attacked trees before the beetles fly and attack more trees.
The city endorses using small scale salvage techniques to remove infested trees. These trees are then sold
to local sawmills. Some locations require stump grinding, landscaping and re-planting after the beetle infested trees have been removed.
The local media is utilized to increase public awareness on the mountain pine beetle issue, its effect, clean up sites and restoration.
The City has also completed an Urban Forest Management Plan which also includes a mountain pine beetle module.
The textual information on the page was originally produced for a brochure by the city of Prince George.
QUICK LINKS
COMMUNITY LIAISON CONTACT INFORMATION
MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE HOTLINE INFORMATION
We thank you for your attention to this issue. If you have any questions at all either call, email or write to us via our community feedback form.
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SELECT A LOCATION
View the 2006 Sanitization Schedule
Use the form below to quickly look up details on any location.
ABOUT TDB CONSULTANTS INC
TDB Consultants Inc. is a multiphase consultant who can manage your beetle concerns/issues. We have the skills and experience to identify, survey, track and database problems within a given ecosystem, including silviculture prescription, block layout, access design and small impact harvesting techniques. Our web site is located at www.tdb.bc.ca.
VISUAL STAGES OF INFESTATION
Below is a mock up that visually demonstrates the progressive stages of an unmanaged beetle infestation as compared to a managed woodlot.
Click on the graphic below to view a larger version.
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