Forest insect and disease conditions in Kootenay National Park

Some of the more important forest insects and diseases found in the park are discussed by host in this report. To obtain a broader perspective of these, and others agents affecting our forests, please refer to the annually published report, "Forest Insect and Disease Conditions, Nelson Forest Region, 1993", available later this winter. The major insect affecting trees remains the mountain pine beetle, which killed an estimated 77 900 lodgepole pine over 715 ha. Spruce budworm populations declined, with no defoliation noted along the Vermilion River. Spruce weevil was reduced by 50%. Foliage diseases increased, lightly affecting most of the lodgepole pine.An annual aerial survey covered the park south of the Simpson River, during early August. This was part of a regional survey in cooperation with the British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Limited ground surveys were conducted at intervals between May and October.