Fir Bark beetle concerns

Photo: BC Hydro

The Fir Bark beetle is wreaking havoc on the Monashee Community Forrest outside Lumby.

The beetle infested area is estimated at 45 hectares.

There has been an increase of dead and
dying trees on the slopes above and to the west of the Village.

"The obvious red-needled trees are the visible signs of the increased Fir Bark beetle presence," stated the Village in a press release. "Within the Monashee Community Forest, a trap tree program with
salvage harvesting is planned to limit the spread of the Fir Bark beetle."

The village stated that trap trees were felled this week and it is believed that harvesting will occur between July 15th and October 15th. 

The removal of dead and dying trees is also intended to decrease the fire hazard associated with increased fuel loading resulting from a Fir Bark Beetle outbreak.

The debris will be burned off in late fall, early winter. 

The logging blocks are planned as a series of small patches. These small patches target beetle infested and immediately at-risk timber. 

The blocks will be easily visible from many vantage points in the Village of Lumby.

If you have any further questions, please contact a Monashee Community Forest representative.

The Forestry Operations phone number is 250-838-0775 ext. 125