Storing Beetle Killed Logs Under Snow To Reduce Losses After Mountain Pine Beetle Attack

To assess the potential to store beetle-killed logs under insulated snowpacks in British Columbia to preserve wood quality and maximize value recovery, we reviewed the literature and visited operations in eastern Canada, where the technique has been recently adapted to routine operations, and in Finland, where 3.5 million m3 of timber are stored under snow annually. We also visited storage terminals in Sweden where very large volumes of sawtimber have been stored since 2005. We identified three roles that cold storage could play in responding to the current mountain pine beetle outbreak: (1) where the outbreak is expanding rapidly and green-attack volume exceeds capacity of mills to process all logs prior to dispersal flight, cold storage can prevent development and dispersal of beetles before milling late in the season; (2) where significant value is lost between harvesting and processing due to checking after delivery to the mill, cold storage can maintain moisture content and extend the time frame for achieving higher economic recovery; and, (3) where there is an opportunity to store large volumes of quality logs, doing so for an extended period (more than one year) may help defer or moderate anticipated social, environmental and economic impacts in the areas most affected by the mountain pine beetle outbreak. We report on discussions with woodland and plant managers in British Columbia on how the technique might be adapted to western Canadian operations and possible impediments to implementation, and we present recommendations.

"This book presents a synthesis of published information on mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins [Coleoptera: Scolytidae]) biology and management with an emphasis on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) forests of western Canada. Intended as a reference for researchers as well as forest managers, the book covers three main subject areas: mountain pine beetle biology, management, and socioeconomic concerns. The chapters on biology cover taxonomy, life history and habits, distribution, insect-host tree interactions, development and survival, epidemiology, and outbreak history. The management section covers management strategy, survey and detection, proactive and preventive management, and decision support tools. The chapters on socioeconomic aspects include an economic examination of management programs and the utilization of post-beetle salvage timber in solid wood, panelboard, pulp and paper products."--Publisher's description.

"A study took place near Quesnel, BC, in November, 2004, to test a sampling procedure designed to determine which attributes of beetle-killed lodgepole pine trees resulted in a reduction in lumber recovery and product value over time. Old grey-attack trees were destructively sampled, and sampled trees, discs and logs were analyzed. The test results provided preliminary information on variables pertaining to log and wood quality and quantity of beetle-killed timber within older grey-attack stands."--Document.

LC copies imperfect: accompanying CD-ROM wanting.