Why has it taken so long for entomologists and other experts who knew of the potential for a beetle outbreak to develop a means of defense?
The pine bark beetles are native insects that are reacting to favorable conditions for their reproduction. Factors such as fire occurrence and suppression, human activities, and variable weather patterns all interact to create the forest we see at any given time. When forests become too dense, resources (primarily water) become scarce and natural processes cause tree mortality. Prior to European settlement, northern Arizona’s Ponderosa pine stands had 20 to 40 trees per acre. Today, many areas of northern Arizona have 800 to 1,200 trees per acre. This is a much greater density than can be supported under our climatic conditions. The bark beetles are simply one of the natural checks and balances that are regulating forest density. The application of science-based forest management can also reduce forest density and increase individual tree vigor. Some forest management tools include natural and prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, controlled grazing, and timber harvest.
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- What are potential "public media" subjects and formats CMF might develop?
