The pine beetle infestation in Shoshone National Forest appears to be subsiding.
Forest timber program manager Randy Spiering says the beetles may be running out of host trees and a freeze in October 2010 killed many beetles before they could protect themselves from the cold.
Officials have observed that the acreage of trees with Douglas fir, spruce and mountain pine beetles decreased last year.
The Powell Tribune reports that trees with spruce bud worms increased, but spruce bud worms usually don’t kill trees.
Shoshone Forest totals 2.4 million acres. Some tree stands remain unscathed, while others are clearly ailing from beetle infestations.
I’ve seen the devastated forests, and it is terrible. I hope this runs its course.
Yeah, they are pretty bad in Yellowstone. The first time I had ever gone through, about 7 years ago, after I moved here, I was absolutely astonished and amazed at the devastation.
Very sad.
This is great news. Winter Park in Colorado was especially hard hit.
Oh no…..it did a job in Yellowsstone! Hope it gets better in Colorado!