What is being done to address the bark beetle outbreak?
Local, state and federal agencies continue to monitor and assess the bark beetle infestation on affected forests and urban areas. Federal, state and local government agencies have conducted numerous neighborhood meetings and forums to discuss the beetle infestation with area residents and will continue to do so on demand. If we look at the bark beetle epidemic at the “big picture” scale, the recipe for future success requires thinning of unhealthy forests to restore their ability to naturally withstand these events, especially in tough drought years. Landowners can consider thinning (removal of living trees) to reduce the intermediate fire risk near the home and increase the long-term health of remaining trees. These days thinning can be a difficult choice because trees are dying due to effects of drought and insects. If you choose to thin consider the following guidelines: • Select the best tress to leave standing. • Take care to protect the trees you want to leave. • Call the local p
