You may have noticed the red dying pine trees along the Lava beds this spring and summer.  Don't be fooled; these are not Mountain Pine Beetle infected trees.  The culprit is the Dothistroma Needle Rust, a forest pathogen currently causing problems throughout the NW part of the province on Pine plantations.  The needle rust thrives during wet periods, especially when overtopped by other trees.  On Nisga'a Lands approximately 1000 hectares is currently at risk because of this disease.