With 10 liters of beetles collected, our year-long program combined traps, research, and collaborations to better understand and slow the spread of the Douglas-fir Bark Beetle. Find the results and what we are doing next by reading the summary below.
Thank you to our Planning and Development Supervisor - Angela French, RFT - for sharing the following summary of the 2024 Creston Community Forests Douglas-fir Bark Beetle Program.
Goal: The program aimed to reduce Douglas-fir bark beetle populations impacting Douglas-fir stands within the operating area. The focus was on slowing the spread of infestations, tracking beetle flight patterns, and monitoring population changes.
Methodology:
Trap Sites: Ten funnel trap sites were strategically selected based on proximity to affected or susceptible Douglas-fir stands and reserve areas. Additional factors like snowmelt timing, aspect, stand age, wind direction, and site accessibility were considered.
Trap Setup: Each site had three 5-piece multitrap systems, placed a few meters apart to enhance mass trapping. The traps used a 3-part lure to attract and collect beetles, aiming to draw them away from vulnerable trees.
Methylcyclohexen (MCH): Over 1000 MCH bubbles were distributed in susceptible stands to prevent beetle infestation.
Research Collaboration: The program contributed to Canadian-wide bark beetle research by sending collected beetle samples to Dr. Christopher Keeling at the Laurentian Forestry Centre. His research on genetic biodiversity helps assess factors like cold tolerance and pest communication in bark beetles.
Partnerships: Collaboration with the Selkirk Resource District and Stewardship allowed for discounted products and materials. The beetle data collected also contributed to monitoring infestations in the Selkirk District.
Monitoring & Data Collection: From May 15 to August 19, 2024, 10 liters of bark beetles were collected. Bear damage at certain sites affected data accuracy, but high volumes were recorded in late May to mid-June and early to mid-July. This data will inform future management strategies.
Future Plans: Funnel traps will continue to be placed at Goat Mountain, Mt. Thompson, and the Arrow Creek drainage to further monitor beetle populations and inform adaptive management.