The provincial government is acting upon the increase of the spruce beetle in B.C.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is committing one million dollars to the development of a regional spruce beetle management plan that will collaborate with First Nations, local communities and stakeholders. An additional $850,000 was previously spent in the 2015-16 year.
This forest pest usually feeds on the inner bark of weakened or fallen spruce trees, but is also capable of killing healthy trees if there is an outbreak in the area.
Infestations of the beetle occurs regularly in B.C. because this insect is native to the province. Past outbreaks have lasted seven to eight years.
Currently there is 156,000 hectares of forest in the Omineca region affected, specifically both the eastern valleys of the Mackenzie and northern portions of the Prince George timber supply area.
The province’s recent weather patterns, including dry summers, warmer winters and wind storms, have contributed to the increase of the spruce beetle population.
“We need to take aggressive action to control this current spruce beetle outbreak. I’m confident that with all groups working together, we will be able to do so,” said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris in a release.
The B.C. Government is closely monitoring the situation to minimize any impacts on timber supply, the forest industry and forestry jobs.
For more information visit the provincial webpage.
Comments