Title
The Role of Public Policy in the Development of Climate Adaptation Initiatives: A Case Study of Mountain Pine Beetle Management in Montana
Date of Award
8-10-2015
Document Type
Capstone Project
Disciplines
Environmental Policy & Mgmt
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science
Department
Environmental Policy & Mgmt
Advisor
Jerry Barker
Keywords
Public policy, Climate change, Montana, Mountain pine beetle, Climate adaptation
Abstract
An outbreak of the mountain pine beetle (MPB) has devastated over 6 million acres of pine forests in the state of Montana since 1999. State officials in Montana have enacted a pest management program to contain the outbreak, yet it has persisted in various parts of the state. The State has not acknowledged the role climate change (i.e. increasing drought and temperature patterns) has played in this outbreak, nor have they addressed the MPB outbreak's long-term effects and the potential for future climate-related forestry issues. To ensure improved climate resilience, a policy framework based on climate adaptation was developed in this capstone. If utilized, the State can ensure forests will be better preserved and more resilient to future climate-related impacts.
Recommended Citation
Zerbe, Kevin, "The Role of Public Policy in the Development of Climate Adaptation Initiatives: A Case Study of Mountain Pine Beetle Management in Montana" (2015). University College: Environmental Policy and Management Capstones. 134.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_epm/134
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.