Table of contents

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
  • Disease-causing organisms
  • Insects
  • Parasitic plants or mammals
  • Changing climatic conditions
  • Drought
  • Severe weather events (hail, ice storms)

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

Forest pest fact sheets

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.

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