[atlantic forestry centre]

Modelling the Spread and Distribution of
Invasive Forest Insects and Diseases
Beaverbrook Crowne Plaza Hotel,
Fredericton, New Brunswick
7 - 8 November, 2007

A CFS - MITACS Joint Workshop

[atlantic forestry centre]

Modelling techniques used for forest pests are diverse. Although there are some results for mathematical models on heterogeneous domains, most mathematical approaches still mainly focus on integral equation models on homogeneous domains. In contrast, modelling approaches used by researchers outside mathematics departments are often simulation based, procedural, and usually large and complex. These models incorporate many of the important heterogenieties found in populations and environments, but their complexity makes analysis difficult if not impossible. There is a definite need for development of the mathematics underlying these diverse modelling approaches. In many cases similarities of approach are hidden beneath different notation and terminology. The primary objectives of this workshop are to increase awareness of the diverse modelling approaches being used to model invasive forest insects and to identify and foster collaboration on the most important research questions related to forest management.

This workshop brings together government, industry and academics involved in building models of insect and disease spread. The goals of the workshop were threefold:

The workshop followed a two days format with four sessions: The first session focused on current management and policy issues, leading to a discussion of the economic and ecological impact of the spread of invasive forest insects and diseases and a list of problems where further research is needed. The second session presented the current understanding of the biology of the economically relevant forest invasive insects and diseases, with an emphasis on their distribution. The modelling session outlined the current state-of-the-art in modelling approaches and mathematical techniques applicable to the spread insects and diseases. The closing session present two case studies and led into a discussion of the most promising research directions, both from a management and an scientific perspective, and ways to foster further collaboration.

The workshop was jointly organized by researchers at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) of Natural Resources Canada and the University of New Brunswick. Participants have a research or management interest in the spread of forest invasive insects and came from CFS research centres across Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Universities in Canada, the United States and New Zealand.

Organizing Committee

For further information contact
James Watmough,
Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
University of New Brunswick,
email: watmough@unb.ca