Photo Courtesy EverythingGP

By Tanner Smith

98% DECLINE SINCE 2019

Mountain pine beetle population in “steep decline” in Alberta

Dec 22, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Alberta government is reporting a significant drop in the provincial mountain pine beetle population since its peak in 2019.

At this time, the population has declined by 98 per cent, with Central Peace-Notley MLA and Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Lowen says in a release; “We (Alberta government) are working hard to protect the health of our forests and the livelihoods of thousands of Albertans. I am proud of the progress we have made in controlling the spread of mountain pine beetles throughout Alberta.”

These beetles carry a blue-stain fungus that clogs and destroys the conductive tissue of an affected tree when the beetle burrows into it to feed and take cover.

The provincial government added in that same release, it will continue to use management measures like population monitoring, risk assessments, and the destruction of infected trees to decrease the pine beetle population. The province adds this will reduce wildfire risks and negative impacts on the forest industry, watershed, and endangered species, as it has been doing for the last 15 years.

At this time, the Alberta government also remains committed to working with Indigenous partners to combat pine beetles.

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Last year, according to a map provided by the Alberta government, the Peace region and Rocky Mountain national park areas had more accumulated stands affected by the mountain pine beetle population compared to the rest of the province.

Anyone wanting more information about Alberta’s mountain pine beetle population can visit the province’s website.