Forest health research and partnerships

Alberta utilizes the most relevant and up-to-date science and technology to ensure that forest pest monitoring, management, and policies are effective - this is key to reducing the risk associated with pest outbreaks. To accomplish this objective, Alberta has established a network of forest health research collaborators that involves academics, industry, and federal research scientists across Canada. Additionally, Alberta supports research initiatives by providing grants and in-kind support through several agencies, including fRI Research, SERG-International, and TRIA-FoR.

Alberta collaborates with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to conduct monitoring for invasive species that threaten Alberta’s forest resources.

The Canadian Forest Service collaborates closely with Alberta to conduct scientific research that helps to ensure that our forests remain sustainable, particularly in light of the increased risk associated with climate change. Long-term monitoring projects, such as the Climate Impact on the Productivity and Health of Aspen, help to inform forest management planning and policy decisions.

fRI Research is the foremost agency through which Alberta-focused MPB research has been conducted. The Mountain Pine Beetle Ecology Program (MPBEP) was created within fRI Research in 2007 to administer research, transfer knowledge, and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders regarding MPB in Alberta. An Activity Team directed the research funded through MPBEP and was comprised of Alberta forest industry members, Government of Alberta employees, University of Alberta scientists, and Jasper National Park staff.

In 2020, the Government of Alberta acquired financial assistance from the federal government to continue the management of MPB, and a portion of the funding was dedicated for research. This research partnership continues where the MPBEP left off in the pursuit of new knowledge and innovative management techniques to address MPB in Alberta.

SERG-International is an association of forest management organizations, regulatory and research agencies, and pesticide suppliers focused on forest pest management. The mandate of SERG-I is to improve pest management methods associated with the use of pest control products in the context of integrated forest pest management. SERG-I members cooperatively fund research projects by pooling financial and/or in-kind resources, which leverages other sources of funding to conduct research. Research results are shared amongst the members at an annual workshop.

The TRIA-FoR Project uses state-of-the-art biology, math, and social sciences to help reduce the impact and risk for the current MPB epidemic, and to help predict and deal with future epidemics.