Risks of introduction and damage from forest insect pests in the boreal forest

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Damage from forest insect pests are predicted to increase in the coming decades in Canada's boreal regions. Increased pest damage will likely come from introduction of non-native woodboring pests through multiple invasion pathways and from the emergence of native, secondary insect pests that are promoted by forests plantations. For this project, we will partner with provincial (multiple divisions of Quebec Ministry of Forests, Fauna and Parcs) and federal regulatory agencies (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) as well as two private forestry companies (Norbord Inc and Rayonier Advanced Material). We will identify invasion pathways of forest pests into the boreal region through transport of heavy equipment for industry (mines, sawmills) and transport of infested firewood using novel pheromones which are widely attractive to both native and non-native woodborers. We will identify how forest structure, composition and management affect the risk of establishment of non-native pests as well as the emergence of native, secondary pests. We will then develop a risk model to identify stand- and landscape features that may increase risk of damage by forest pests. For regulatory agencies, our project will improve monitoring and control strategies aimed at forest pests and identify new and innovative silvicultural approaches that can be integrated into forest planning. For industrial partners, our project will provide tangible solutions to minimize pest damage. For Canada, our project will reduce costs related to pest suppression, protect forests for commercial and recreational use and limit the spread of invasive species into the boreal forest. We will also generate specialized expertise of highly qualified personnel (HQP) capable of advancing solutions to a coming wave of forest pests in a rapidly changing climate. We have provided a clear and specific plan to recruit and train HQPs with the goal of increasing equity, diversity and inclusion. This plan extends to all aspects of our project including experimental design, project decision making and recruitment.