Using novel approaches to understand mountain pine beetle impacts on upper elevation sites in Jasper National Park

This proposed research will evaluate changes to ecosystem composition and configuration in the subalpine and alpine zones from the recent unprecedented outbreak of MPB in Jasper National Park (JNP), Alberta. New extended time-series data and innovative spatial assessments will be used to consider the impact of novel disturbances on species-at-risk, including whitebark pine, limber pine, and mountain caribou. An integral part of the proposed research will be building relationships with the Indigenous Peoples whose traditional lands JNP occupies to facilitate project co-design and knowledge co-production. The outcomes of this research will support decision-making by Parks Canada on restoration interventions in JNP as part of a larger assessment of the implications of rapid ecological change for environmental management in Canada’s mountain landscapes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Higgs

Student:

Partner:

fRI Research

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: