Are the pine bark beetles native to northern Arizona?
Yes. Under endemic (non-outbreak) conditions, pine bark beetles act as a natural disturbance agent in the forest. However, we should not expect an “un-natural” forest to behave in a “natural” manner. Even under outbreak conditions, the beetles are reducing the density of our pine forests. The current pine mortality appears dramatic to most residents because the amount and scale is unprecedented (a similar outbreak was documented during 1956). Remember that our current forest conditions are the result of human impacts, ecosystems are not static, and periodic disturbances help keep our forests healthy.
Yes. Under endemic (non-outbreak) conditions, pine bark beetles act as a natural disturbance agent in the forest. However, we should not expect an “un-natural” forest to behave in a “natural” manner. Even under outbreak conditions, the beetles are decreasing the density of our pine forests. It seems drastic to most residents because the amount of pine mortality may be unprecedented (a similar outbreak was documented during 1956). Remember that our current forest conditions are the result of human impacts and ecosystems are not static and periodic disturbances help keep our forests healthy.
