This release was issued under a previous government.

Fighting mountain pine beetle in Hinton

L-R: Eric Rosendahl, MLA for West Yellowhead, Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and Marcel Michaels, mayor of Hinton

The mountain pine beetle threatens over five million hectares of Alberta’s pine forest and affects the activities of more than half of the major forest companies operating in the province.

In order to protect Alberta’s forests, the province is providing Hinton with $300,000 for the detection, control and suppression of mountain pine beetle on municipal and private lands. The funds are part of the Mountain Pine Beetle Municipal Grant Funding Program which helps communities minimize the spread of mountain pine beetle infestations in their areas.

“Our best chance to deal with the mountain pine beetle infestation is if our government partners with local municipalities on aggressive and proactive detection and control programs. This funding will help us work with the Town of Hinton to do that.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

“The Town of Hinton is appreciative of the continued support received from the provincial government to assist our community in dealing with the devastating effects of the mountain pine beetle. This funding will allow the town to manage work on the municipal mountain pine beetle program and address the extensive growth of the infestation.”

Marcel Michaels, mayor, Town of Hinton

“Life in Hinton has always revolved around the forests. From the many industries that directly depend on this resource to tourism and wilderness recreation, life across West Yellowhead depends on a healthy, productive environment. The scourge that is the mountain pine beetle is threatening our economy and our way of life.”

Eric Rosendahl, MLA for West Yellowhead

Quick facts

  • Mountain pine beetle threatens 5.5 million hectares of Alberta’s pine forest.
  • The value of pure pine stands in Alberta is more than $9 billion.
  • Last year, more than 92,000 trees across the province were cut and burned to help control the mountain pine beetle outbreak.
  • More than half of the major forest companies operating in Alberta are reliant on pine to continue operations.