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 Mountain pine beetle infestations continue to kill entire hillsides of lodgepole pine. Three other tree species also suffer from this intrusive insect – ponderosa, limber, and bristlecone pine trees. The epidemic’s core area exists in the Arapaho, White River, and Medicine Bow-Routt, National Forests and adjacent forested lands.
Triggered by drought and a shorter frost season, mountain pine beetle populations grew across a landscape of mature, dense, homogenous lodgepole pine trees. The long-term drought weakened tree resistance. Numerous warm winters also helped beetles survive and multiply. The vast tracts of mature lodgepole pine forests are more prone to beetle kill than more vigorous younger forests.
Falling Trees can Impact Basic Services Including Travel, Electricity, and Water. Recognize the Risks:
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The fire hazard is high when the trees are red, 1-2 years after being attacked. Fire hazard rises again after the trees fall.
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Many miles of roads, trails, and a number of recreation areas affected.
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Damaged power lines could cause wildfires and/or blackouts because electricity generated in western Colorado must be transmitted across beetle-killed areas to serve Front Range demands:
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Essential water supplies at risk because the heart of the epidemic in Colorado and Wyoming contains the headwaters for rivers that supply water to 13 western states.
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