Title: Evaluation of mountain pine beetle activity in the Beaver Park area of the Black Hills National Forest
Description: Mountain pine beetle populations have been increasing in the Black Hills over the last 3 years. Over the past few years, aerial surveys have detected a large and expanding mountain pine beetle infestation in the Beaver Park area on the Northern Hills Ranger District. Ground surveys found 37 trees per acre killed on average over the last 3 years, with approximately 53% of these trees being currently infested. Also, brood sampling continues to indicate that beetle populations are still increasing in the area. Four years ago nearly 70% of the forested land in the Beaver Park area was classified in the moderate to high stand hazard categories. Stand hazard is being reduced as beetles have reduced much of the basal area. However, as beetle habitat is lost in areas such as Forbes and Beaver Gulches, the beetles are starting to move out into surrounding forest lands in the area. Places such as Vanocker Canyon, Park Creek, and Elk Creek Canyon are becoming heavily infested with mountain pine beetle. Recommendations for dealing with the mountain pine beetle include: silvicultural treatments, sanitation/salvage harvesting, infested tree treatment and individual tree protection. Aggressive use of silvicultural techniques, both thinning and sanitation, are the recommended actions.
Subjects: Mountain pine beetle
Places: Black Hills National Forest (S.D. and Wyo.)