Canadian Forest Service Publications
Mountain pine beetle: conditions and issues in the western United States, 2003. 2004. Gibson, K. Pages 57-61 in T.L. Shore, J.E. Brooks, and J.E. Stone, editors. Mountain Pine Beetle Symposium: Challenges and Solutions, October 30-31, 2003, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Information Report BC-X-399. 298 p.
Year: 2004
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 25034
Language: English
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) is by far the most destructive insect pest of pine species in western North America. It is once again at outbreak levels in many parts of the western United States, currently affecting more than 1.5 million acres (0.7 million ha). The infested area in the western US nearly doubled from 2001 to 2002. While infesting most pines within its range, and causing significant concerns in ponderosa, western white, and whitebark pines, lodgepole pine is the most frequently infested and most heavily damaged of the beetle's hosts. Nearly 90% of the current mortality is in lodgepole pine. Management strategies and tactics have been developed to better deal with the devastating impact of mountain pine beetle infestations across the western US.