Residents' perspectives on forest health issues and management practices in Mount Robson Provincial Park.

British Columbia and in particular the Central Interior region have a long history of infestation by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). However, current levels of mountain pine beetles have reached epidemic proportions in part due to the changing weather conditions and forest management practices. This current epidemic has resulted in changed forest conditions that make the forests more susceptible to fire and renewed beetle attacks. The epidemic is of particular concern for parks and protected areas due to the long history of fire suppression and inactive management. In the Robson Valley, community members find themselves immersed in issues regarding forest health and mountain pine beetle management and the corresponding effects on amenity, property, and ecological values without sufficient information from reliable and trusted sources. The rich amenity values of the Robson Valley manifest themselves in active and vocal community members thus recent strategies for active management within Mount Robson Provincial Park have met with some resistance. Limited communication between BC Ministry of Environment and local residents regarding active management strategies has only served to amplify this opposition. A survey was conducted with residents of Valemount and McBride to explore their perceptions of forest health and management practices in the Robson Valley. Results show that residents overwhelmingly want to be involved in the planning process for active management in Mount Robson Provincial Park. Resident's agree with active management strategies for a variety of management rationale, however they do not agree with all forms of active management. Improved communication strategies could help agencies such as BC Ministry of Environment gain support for more controversial management actions.