From section titled 'Why are we here?': 'The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for Copper River Basin natural resource managers and researchers, as well as the public, to learn more about the ecology of spruce beetles and the forests they inhabit. The conference will be a precursor to defining the critical information needs of managers as they make decisions in response to the infestation. This brochure was developed to provide conference attendees with a short synopsis of available information about the ecology of spruce beetles and their role in the boreal forests of Alaska. A list of references used to compile this brochure is included, and the interested reader may consult these sources for additional information.'