MSMA Trees andForest Management OperationsWhat is an MSMA tree?An MSMA tree is usually a lodgepolepine that has been previously treated with the pesticide MSMA (trade name Glowon®) and is still on-site, either standing or felled. The purpose of the treatment was to kill developing broods of mountain pine beetles in small and isolated infestations.

Do trees treated with MSMA pose a risk to human health?A study released in September 2009 concluded that people are not at risk as a result of MSMA use. The arsenic associated with MSMA appears to be largely confined to the treated trees and has not migrated into surrounding soil and vegetation. However, people should avoid harvesting foodstuffs within two metres of treated trees. This recommendation is made out of an abundance of caution.

The MSMA risk analysis report is available online at www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/health/MSMA.htm

How will MSMA trees affect operations?MSMA trees are to remain in place in the forest. They are not to be felled, removed or burned. They are to be clearly marked by whoever finds them, their extent and location recorded and that information reported to the district manager. MSMA trees can, in many cases, be incorporated into Wildlife Tree Patches, thereby minimizing their impact upon harvesting operations.

How are MSMA trees identified?At the time of treatment, all MSMA trees were clearly marked with paint,flagging tape, or waterproof tags. Over time, however, the paint may have faded or the tape and tags may have fallen off. Sometimes all that will identify an MSMA-treated tree is the “axe frill” near the base of the tree where the MSMA was injected.

Trees treated with MSMA were clearly marked at time of application.

Indicators of MSMA application still visible seven years after treatment.

What should be done when MSMAtrees are found?When MSMA-treated trees are discovered in the field, the person who finds them should:

• Using a GPS, approximate the central point of the treatment area, • Record the extent and approximate boundary of the site,• Determine the approximate date of treatment,• Count the number of MSMA trees on the site,• Note the species of the MSMA-treated trees, and• Report this information to the local forest district manager.

The MSMA Tree Reporting Form attached to this field brochure is designed to help people record these details and information.

Where are MSMA treatment sites located?Maps and additional information on the known locations of MSMA-treated trees is available on the Ministry of Forests and Range website at

Have only pine trees been treated with MSMA?From time to time, spruce trees have also been treated with MSMA to create lethal trap trees. These trees were felled two weeks after injection with MSMA so that they would attract spruce beetles. These trees may be more difficult to quickly identify as having been MSMA-treated, due to decomposition. When groups of felled spruce trees are discovered in remote locations, they should be examined for axe frills and treatment tags.

Axe frill at base of MSMA‐treated tree.

MSMA Tree Reporting Form

GPS Location (Degreesand Decimal Minutes)

N W

Approximate Area (Hectares –Attach Map)

Ha

Approximate Date of Treatment

Approximate Number of Trees Treated

Other Pertinent Information

Submitted By: 

Date Submitted:www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/health/MSMA.htm