Concerns over the pressing issue of the Douglas fir beetle is growing among lumber companies.
Representatives from Carrier Lumber Ltd. and Industrial Forestry Service Ltd. presented a case to council Monday night with some staggering statistics.
The company’s research finds the infestations in the Timber Supply Area of Prince George has grown from 1,305 hectares in 2015, to 8,127 hectares in 2016.
“I know the Ministry of Forests had a few attempts to engage the city and it hasn’t been foremost in their mind…” explains IFS’s Robert Schuetz, who co-presented to council. “What we’re here for is, mainly, not to say the sky is falling, but to say ‘let’s be proactive and deal with the issue before it becomes a problem.'”
Outbreaks of the beetle lasts between two and four years, and it is common to see upwards of 100 or more trees killed. The presenters emphasized that the epidemic would not resolve itself.
A partnership between the City of PG and private companies such as Carrier Lumber Ltd. was proposed to take action on the issue, with the City taking the lead role in educating the public on the issue, identify critical areas, and mitigation efforts.