A history of the battle against the mountain pine beetle, 2000 to 2012

The mountain pine beetle epidemic in B.C. is recognized as an unprecedented forest-altering event. As the most severe bark beetle infestation in recorded North American history, it has and will continue to impact the environment, the economy and a large segment of society. These facts have been recognized by the government of B.C. since 2001, when a new approach to sustained policy, funding and organizational action was taken to optimize the response to the epidemic. These actions have been taken in partnership with communities, First Nations, local and federal governments, and the forest sector. This report provides a brief review of the history of the epidemic, and the provincial response to its impacts.