Tree Canada's Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf program is aimed at replacing trees lost to the advance of this invasive insect which destroys native pine trees.
The mountain pine beetle arrived in west-central Alberta for the first time ever in July 2006, when strong winds carried insects to the region from central B.C., a distance of 400 kilometres. The beetle attacks all pine species, most notably lodgepole pine, the provincial tree of Alberta. It will also attack jack pine and the endangered whitebark and limber pines.
Who Can Apply?
There are three components to the program:
Residents - Residents who have individual trees killed by Mountain pine beetle may apply for an Alberta MPB ReLeaf coupon, worth $80 redeemable at tree nurseries who are members of the Landscape Alberta Nursery and Trades Association. Residents fill in an easy, on-line application below which will be sent to the Tree Canada Community Advisor for review and approval. The application will ask for pictures of the damage. Deadline for the coupon is December 31, 2010.
Landowners - Private landowners (under 10 ha) who have forest trees killed by mountain pine beetle will be able to apply for tree seedlings, for a maximum amount of $3,000. These seedlings are to replace shelterbelt trees and other trees around the home and property. Application deadline is December 31, 2010.
Download a PDF Application here.
Apply Online here.
Municipalities - Municipalities who have forests killed by mountain pine beetle will be able to apply for tree seedlings, for a maximum amount of $5000. Application deadline is December 31, 2010.
Download a PDF Application here.
Apply Online here.
DONATE HERE to fund tree planting in Alberta to counter the effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle.
What is a Mountain Pine Beetle?
Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a native insect found in western North America. It is dark coloured and approximately the size of a grain of rice. This beetle lives most of its life in pine trees, including lodgepole,. For more information please visit www.mpb.alberta.ca.
What are its habits?
The mountain pine beetle (MPB) completes its life cycle one year. In mid-summer, large numbers of adult female beetles attack new trees by boring through the bark to the sapwood. They construct vertical galleries in the phloem between the bark and the sapwood where, after the males join them, they mate and the females deposit their eggs.
These eggs hatch into legless larvae that feed outwards from the vertical galleries on the tissue of the host tree. The beetles carry a blue stain fungus that attacks the tree's resin producing tissue, which prevents the tree from repelling and killing the insects. They hinder the tree's ability to draw water and nutrients.
What is causing the current outbreak? Under normal population levels, MPB does play an important role in a forest's ecosystem. By attacking weakened and old trees, they speed up the regeneration of a younger forest. In the past, cold winters have kept their numbers in check. Hot, dry summers in central B.C. and Alberta and mild winters have led to unprecedented population growth and range expansion.
How can I get involved?
Be observant. If you live in Alberta, become familiar about the pine tree(s) in your backyard or nearby forests. Take note if you notice changes to the health of your trees, including the reddening of needles and other dramatic changes.
Get help. Contact the authorities in your area if you do detect an infestation of MPB in your trees, including your municipality.
Plant trees that are insect and fire resistant. The government of Alberta is involved with a FireSmart initiative to help reduce the risk of wildfire across the province.
Here is a list of fire resistant trees that will help reduce the risk of fire to homes in Alberta.
