What is a Forest Pest?
A forest pest is any organism occurring in unsustainable numbers, placing a constraint on management or utilization of a forest stand. They can threaten the health and vigour of a forest, biodiversity, and the many social, cultural and economic values Albertans enjoy.
Many factors can have negative effects on the health of a forest. Some are biotic, or living, while others are abiotic or non-living.
| Biotic Factors | Abiotic Factors |
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Managing Forest Pests
Forest pest management is a systematic approach to reducing pest damage to social and economically acceptable levels. The ministry is committed to sustaining the health of our forests, and does so through
- assessment of risk
- detection
- implementation of various management programs in forest stands
- survey and monitoring
Surveys and reports
The forest pest conditions are based on the most current information from various surveys and reports. Conditions are updated as new information becomes available.