Outbreaks of mountain pine beetle are evaluated as a generic disturbance agent, and comparisons are made with other forest disturbances such as wildfire, windthrow, and logging. A useful basis for comparison is the degree of disruption to the overstorey, understorey, and forest floor layers. Clear differences are observed in the impacts of bark beetles, fire, and windthrow, but there is overlap with various harvesting systems. Insects are selective in terms of the species or size of tree that is killed; this selectivity varies with stand composition, stand structure, and outbreak stage. The mountain pine beetle functions as part of larger natural disturbance regimes in western North America, which vary with climate and forest type. Outbreaks of many different insects occur throughout western Canada, with the relative role of fire and insects differing among ecoregions and over time. Beetle-killed stands may facilitate extreme fire behaviour and may be more susceptible to future burning. Large expanses of dead or removed trees also result in altered soil water balance and stream flows, disposing some sites to mass movement or flooding. All disturbances generate heterogeneity, with much of the value to biodiversity and ecosystem recovery depending on residual structure and biological legacies. The capacity for unassisted recovery and the value of each stand to timber supply, carbon balance, and habitat needs in a landscape context are relevant when considering salvage logging or forest rehabilitation. The future role of forest pests is expected to fluctuate in response to changes in climate and the altered composition and structure of western forests.

Interim results of the Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities: A conversation on BC forests initiative and relevant evaluations are summarized and interim conclusions identified.  The input to date includes comments from six (6) Community Dialogue Sessions, Background Briefs from 37 BC leaders in various aspects of forest management and comments from concerned citizens and forest professionals submitted through the HFHC website.  Forest management expectations for a viable and sustainable forest sector are identified along with examples of policy and forest practices which raise the question regarding whether BC forests will be able to deliver in the long-term.  Overall, participants are concerned regarding the direction of BC forest management relative to meeting the long-term needs for communities and families.  A number of challenges are identified that will confront communities, professionals and decision-makers to move towards an identified vision for BC forest lands.