Canadian Forest Service Publications
A Synthesis of the Economic Efficiency of Beetle-Proofing Management Options. 2005. Patriquin, M.N.; Leake, N.L.; White, W.A. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, BC. Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative Working Paper 2005-17. 34 p.
Year: 2005
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 25525
Language: English
Series: Mountain Pine Beetle Working Paper (PFC - Victoria)
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
The mountain pine beetle is a naturally occurring forest insect in western Canada that acts as an agent of change and renewal in the forest system. Under certain conditions, the beetle populations expand rapidly resulting in an infestation with the ability to disrupt the future flow of timber used to support human communities. Beetle-proofing is a form of preventative maintenance used to maintain the economic viability of pine forest stands susceptible to mountain pine beetle infestation. This report provides a synthesis of the existing literature that examines the economic feasibility of beetle-proofing methods. The range and scope of the literature is limited, but in general commercial thinning for the purpose of beetle-proofing offers the most promise and in certain conditions was determined to offer positive net benefits. Best practice approaches for examining the economic efficacy of beetle-proofing methodologies are also discussed.