Mountain Pine Beetle

Mountain Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae damage in Roosevelt National Forest

The Mountain Pine Beetle, while native to the forests of western North America, often goes through periods of outbreak that can cause massive damage and result in major consequences. These outbreaks can last quite long and damage much like the 4 million acres in Colorado. Climate and weather patterns are an important factor to the population of bark beetles such as the mountain pine beetle where severe freezes keep them in check, along with the natural woodpecker and insect predators; however, without consistent freezing, even a single mild winter can encourage a loss of population control. One result of outbreaks is an increase in intensive forest fires. There relationship between bark beetles and forest fires is complicated and two-fold: fire damaged trees are even more susceptible to infestation, and the forest structure and fuel source is changed. The long term consequences of this large change of structure are currently being research. This includes the impact on snow accumulation and subsequential snow melt. While characterized as a problem due to the socioeconomic impacts, it is important to remember that bark beetles have a purpose of which includes forest disturbances, an important factor of a healthy forest ecosystem. The wildfires also have an important role in the revitalization of forests allowing new seeds to be planted. Cause for concern arrives when the beetle damage becomes extensive and fires cannot run their course not only due to trying to protect homes and lives, but also because their repressed nature often results is more intensive fires than naturally occurring.

Wildlifes are a common cause of concern in modern society due to the disruption of a natural process in order to protect the people that live in the area. This disruption often leads to worse fires than historic fires of untouched wilderness. The relevant nature of this post to current events will be continued next week looking at three different ecosystems, the impact and importance of fires for those particular areas, and management for the areas.