The circumpolar boreal forest covers an estimated 1.4 billion hectares.

Dead and dying trees do not necessarily represent poor “forest health". They may instead reflect a natural process of forest renewal. Standing dead trees and fallen logs play important roles in soil development, nutrient cycling, and the creation of wildlife habitat. For example, the forests east of Kluane National Park were subject to a significant beetle outbreak in the 1930s and 1940s. All indications to date are that the forest is recovering well without human intervention.