Analysis of Climate Data from Smithers, BC: Can We Expect an Increase in Conditions Favorable to Dothistroma Reproduction?

** INTRODUCTION (summarized) **

This report analyzes climate data from Smithers, BC, with a focus on the potential impact of anticipated temperature and rainfall increases in British Columbia's northern regions on Dothistroma reproduction, a needle blight that mainly affects lodgepole pine. The report aims to identify the expected frequency of environmental conditions favorable for Dothistroma populations. The analysis is based on data from the Smithers, BC airport. The underlying assumption is that there is a link between climate change and changes in the Dothistroma population, supported by previous research by Woods et al. (2005). The report consolidates information from this and other peer-reviewed literature, concluding that specific climate conditions, including temperature ranges and precipitation patterns, are conducive to Dothistroma reproduction. The report proceeds to query temperature and precipitation data from Smithers, BC, using these specific criteria, with results and brief analyses presented later in the report.