Predicting the Spread of Mountain Pine Beetles in British Columbia
In this final project, I worked with three other students to study the spread of the mountain pine beetle in British Columbia. It was a lengthy process, but it allowed me to put my GIS skills to the test. We conducted this project entirely independently, including acquiring data, manipulating and analyzing that data, producing a map, and discussing the results of of analysis.
Our project aimed to map the future spread of the mountain pine beetle. It is a native species to British Columbia, but its intensive infestation has been cause of many problems since the 90s. We looked at the year 2050, and mapped where the beetle could spread to based on elevation, climate and the existence of the lodgepole pine tree: their preferred host. In addition, to show the importance of our analysis, we also mapped the current year forest fire area along with the current beetle infestation. We found a correlation between beetle infestation and area of forest fires.
We originally did not make a plan to organize the work. However, eventually we all took on our individual roles. Surprising, this worked quite well and we all ended up doing the same amount of work.
Findings
- Our findings confirmed predictions found on Natural Resources Canada that the beetle will soon be able to spread north into regions of BC that we previously uninhabitable to the species.
- There is a higher percent of forest fire area in infested areas than in un-infested areas.
- Some areas that we identified as possible spread-areas for the beetle may not have the opportunity due to lack of lodgepole pine
- Improved forest management policies must be put in place in order to protect the biodiversity of the lodgepole forests, in addition to protecting human processes.
- The ability of mountain pine beetle to spread by upper air winds makes it possible for the beetle to spread such large distances.
