Localized Spatial And Temporal Attack Dynamics Of The Mountain Pine Beetle In Lodgepole Pine

"A recent survey of mountain pine beetle (MPB) attack in mature and immature pine leading stands indicated that attack rate was a function of tree size, age and stand density. However, the temporal dynamics of MPB attack in mature and immature stands, as well as the release of the regeneration layer or secondary structure under a dying canopy, are poorly understood. The primary objectives of this study were to i) investigate temporal and spatial aspects of MPB attack, ii) investigate regeneration dynamics (mortality and growth) of post-beetle attack, iii) model growth and yield with actual mortality and regeneration metrics, iv) describe economic opportunities of harvest scheduling with respect to post-MPB stand structure and v) develop improved management and regeneration options."--Document.

This study is part of a series of research papers that explore the biological, social, and economic aspects of British Columbia's mountain pine beetle epidemic. It examines mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) dispersal processes, which drive the spatial and temporal development of outbreaks. Understanding these processes is important for modelling future infestations and guiding forest management decisions. In this study, the spatial patterns of red- and green-attacked trees were used to characterize the spatial-temporal nature of dispersal. Research aims were to detect evidence of dispersal based on the distance and direction between red- and green-attacked tree clusters, determine how dispersal patterns change at different stages of infestation, and to detect landscape variables influencing the observed dispersal patterns. Variables explored included Biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification (BEC), topography, and the local population of susceptible hosts.--Includes text from Government of Canada publications site and from document.