Forest Fights Bark Beetles

The Boise National Forest is conducting a timber salvage operation aimed at reducing bark beetle populations before the bugs are able to cause more damage to the forest.

A devastating New Year’s storm caused problems throughout the forest. Thousands of trees were snapped or uprooted by strong winds and heavy snowfall.

The damaged trees are highly susceptible to being infested by bark beetles.

“Broken trees give insects the habitat they need to build their population,” Forest Service entomologist Ralph Thier said.

“Since these trees lack their defense mechanisms, the beetles are able to build high-level populations, and in the spring, they go on to infest otherwise healthy trees. This could lead to a forest health epidemic.”

Forest officials hope that by logging damaged trees, the susceptible habitat and number of dormant beetles will be reduced.

As salvaged trees are cut, transported and milled, the bark is broken away from the trees, exposing the beetles. Winter elements then kill them.