National Park managers recognise the importance of understanding and preserving ecological processes. In the first part of this thesis I review, analyse and present available data on insect and disease activity in order to identify knowledge gaps and increase understanding of these ecological processes in Jasper National Park. The result of this process showed that data were skewed to human use and transportation corridors, that point locations were limited especially for disease locations, and that there is very little baseline information regarding forest insect and disease activity in Jasper National Park. I make a recommendation to establish a research framework with several subrecommendations indicating specific projects.

In the second part of this thesis I identify deficiencies in vegetation management relating to forest insects and diseases using a technique know as multiple accounts analysis (MAA). MAA provided an evaluation framework that assisted in evaluating the implications and relative merits of vegetation management actions. I evaluated vegetation management actions in terms of their consistency with the fundamental principles of Parks Canada (the criteria) using indicators I developed. In the results I identified improvements needed in vegetation management actions pertaining to ecological integrity--specifically in the area of setting and/or achieving ecological goals and in the incorporation of adaptive management. Improvement was needed in all areas indicating social values--especially communication with the public about insect and disease issues and attempts to understand public perceptions of management actions. I recommend continued development of relationships with adjacent land managers, the creation of a comprehensive forest insect and disease plan and the creation of a public information strategy. Several sub-recommendations are listed under each.