A framework for coordinated government action on introduced forest pests in Ontario

A number of forest pests introduced to Canada have significant adverse impact on Canadian forest ecosystems by changing ecosystem structure and function, forest productivity and biological diversity. The present regulatory approach in Canada has had questionable effectiveness in preventing the arrival, establishment and spread of exotic forest pests. There is currently little government agency coordination on the actions and programs required to minimize the impacts of new forest pests. Two case studies are reviewed in the gypsy moth and pine shoot beetle.;The objective of this research was to develop a coordinated, intergovernmental strategic framework to effectively manage and minimize the economic and environmental impact of introduced forest pests. The strategic framework proposes five key areas that government agencies can implement to target actions in a more effective and timely manner. The proposal consists of (1) excluding exotic forest pests from Canada, (2) improved government coordination and cooperation, (3) public information, (4) management of established exotic forest pests and (5) financial responsibilities.