Why prevent an outbreak?
Albertans are committed to proactive management of Alberta’s forest resources. Productive, healthy, diverse and aesthetically pleasing forest ecosystems provide a variety of benefits. They are essential to achieve environmental, social and economic goals that contribute to sustainable development and a high quality of life. Forests have been called the lungs of the earth because forests help clean our air and release oxygen. Forests store carbon as wood which helps reduce global warming. They contribute to the water cycle by improving water quality and quantity (e.g. by lowering water temperatures, reducing runoff and erosion, and affecting the timing and amount of streamflow). Forests also provide food and shelter for a variety of fish and wildlife. Forests have recreational and cultural value and provide 38,000 direct and indirect jobs related to the forest industry in Alberta. Forestry is the primary industry in approximately 50 communities in Alberta. Mountain pine beetle outbreaks
