Learn about forest health

We recognize that we must maintain and protect the long-term health of Yukon’s forests. This will benefit Yukoners now and in future generations. Monitoring of and reporting on forest health are part of sustainable forest management.

Trees can be impacted throughout all stages of their life cycle. Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors include:

  • bark beetles;
  • leaf eaters, also known as defoliators;
  • diseases;
  • animals;
  • droughts;
  • fires;
  • wind damage; and
  • floods.

Forest pests and diseases are a normal part of the natural cycle of forests. If you have a specific concern about a tree, you can contact the Forest Management Branch to get more information. Phone 867-456-3999 or email forestry@yukon.ca.

Forest health program

Our forest health program has 3 areas of focus.

Strategic monitoring

We track potential threats to our forests. We do this through general measures, such as regular aerial surveys.

Specific monitoring

We may identify possible risks during strategic monitoring. When this happens, we may need to do focused monitoring. We determine this during a risk analysis. In some cases, we carry out preventative measures or treatment of the pest or disease.

Annual forest health report

We publish an annual report about damage to Yukon forests caused by biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Download annual reports:

You can download past forest health reports from the Energy, Mines and Resources Library catalogue.