The problem is particularly acute in ponderosa pine stands, as gophers prefer pine roots to other types of forage. Mechanical damage from windstorm can cause huge losses over a wide area, although quickly organized salvage operations could save much of it. Tree injury from logging operations can be serious as wounds are subject to many heart and butt rots. If you have a recurring problem with these species, permitting others to hunt on your land will reduce the total number. The Department of Wildlife will help control especially troublesome deer and elk.
Some authorities advocate bear feeding stations in the early spring.
Pocket gophers may be trapped or poisoned. Traps placed in main runways are fairly effective, poison-laced grain may also be placed in runways. Mechanical damage due to abiotic events such as lightning is difficult at best to control. Windthrow can be prevented in part by not opening up shallow-rooted stands, especially stands with root rot. Using proper equipment for the site.