Also, brood sampling continues to indicate that beetle populations are still increasing in the area. Stand susceptibility is being reduced as much of the basal area has been decreased by beetle-caused tree mortality. However, because there has been no treatment, there continues to be epidemic mountain pine beetle populations and associated high levels of tree mortality in the Beaver Park area. In addition to the mountain pine beetle situation in Beaver Park, pockets of beetle-killed trees have been detected from aerial survey in the Bear Mountain and Steamboat Rock areas. Ground surveys in these areas found an average of 8.2 and 7.3 trees per acre killed over the last 3 years, respectively.
Brood sampling in both areas suggest beetle populations are increasing.
Ground surveys will be completed in these areas in the coming year. Relatively few currently infested trees were found in the Pactola Lake, Sheridan Lake and Deerfield Recreation Areas. Kurt Allen , Rapid City Service Center. The intense and extensive infestation in the Sunlight and Crandall areas of the northern Shoshone NF has reappeared after a two year lull, killing the most trees this year since it began in 1989. This infestation is associated with the 1988 Clover Mist fire.