Canadian Forest Service Publications
Detection and monitoring of the mountain pine beetle. 2004. Wulder, M.A.; Dymond, C.C.; Erickson, R.D. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, BC. Information Report BC-X-398. 24 p.
Year: 2004
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 24986
Language: English
Series: Information Report (PFC - Victoria)
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
Forest management decisions regarding the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) are generally driven by the location, size, and impact of the beetle population. Information on infestations is collected using a variety of survey techniques, with the methodology and scale (level of detail) of the survey being defined by the management objectives. Questions regarding tree or stand level characterization of beetle impacts require different support data than are required at the landscape level. In this report, we present a summary of the different survey approaches for characterizing mountain pine beetle infestations (with emphasis on red attack stage), across a range of scales. The concept of an information hierarchy is also presented, whereby multiple sets of survey data may be nested for any given area of interest. For example, a lower cost overview survey may be used to guide the selection of locations requiring more intensive (and more expensive) surveys. The objective of this report is to review the tools and approaches available to forest managers for the detection, mapping, and monitoring of mountain pine beetle. The information content and limitations associated with each survey method are provided, in order to facilitate informed choices of survey methods and data sources. Survey recommendations, based upon the information hierarchy, are also included.
