The Mountain Pine Beetle has been a serious problem in the province of B.C. with most of the infestations occurring in B.C.’s Interior.

To address the problem the B.C. First Nation Leadership Council organized a Mountain Pine Beetle forum in September 2005, and another in April 2006. The Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group (MPB WG) was formed and a 72-point action plan was created out of these forums.

Representatives from KVL and the Kitsumkalum Band attended the April 2006 forum, and the Band was given a contract for the Mountain Pine Beetle Potential Impact Project. The Band delegated this project to KVL to carry out in order to assess the risk of Pine Beetle infestation in the Kitsumkalum traditional territory.

Thus far, KVL has addressed the following questions and requirements put forth by the MPB WG:

“a) The impact on your traditional lands in 2011. The area of MPB impact on your reserve lands and on traditional lands should be drawn on the MPB Impact map. The area should also be described in writing.”

Less than 1% according to the Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation Probability Model for 2011.

 “b) Estimate the percentage of your reserve lands and traditional lands that are presently (in 2006) affected by the MPB.”

No presence of the MPB on reserve lands.

To see a pdf. file of the Kitsumkalum Pine Stands Map

click here.

“c) Also estimate the percentage of your reserve lands and traditional lands that will be affected in 2011.”

Less than 1%

“d) What will be the significance of the MPB infestation on your use of your traditional lands? Briefly describe the types of impacts on your Nation’s life: cultural, spiritual, social, economic.”

The significance of the MPB infestation will only have impact on the areas infested with MPB.   Our nations’ culture will be effected minimally, spiritual will be effected minimally, socially will have greater impact due to the flood of lumber in the markets due to accelerated harvesting.

The MPB WG will use the project information acquired from all First Nations groups to lobby for more funding from B.C.’s Government to put towards a solution to the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic in First Nations’ traditional territories.’

KVL had a crew of three band members working on the project mapping out and aging pine stands within and adjacent to Kitsumkalum's traditional territory.

It was determined that there was a potential threat around Kalum Lake and Lava Lake. There are a few pine stands in the territory.

If the pine beetle arrives KVL feels that it can be managed efficiently.

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