Mountain pine beetle removal area

This last winter five hectares of University property was logged. This area, across University Way from the Prince George campus, was cleared to remove significant public and fire safety risks. The site had been occupied dominantly by Lodgepole Pine trees and these trees, killed by the Mountain Pine Beetle in 2004 and 2005, had become increasingly unstable due to decay. Therefore the decision was made to clear the area leaving live trees where feasible.  Objectives for the removal of these trees included:

• Reduction of fire hazards
• Protection of the public from falling trees as several walking trails intersect the area

Plans are to remove the logs from the area this summer with a portion of the wood scheduled to go to UNBC Bioenergy.  Currently there are no plans to develop this site.  The location of the area is highlighted in yellow in the following image.