Mountain Pine Beetle-killed Trees as Snags in Black Hills Ponderosa Pine Stands

Mountain Pine Beetle-killed Trees as Snags in Black Hills Ponderosa Pine Stands

Author: J. M. Schmid

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 8

ISBN-13:

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Mountain pine beetle-killed ponderosa pine trees in three stands of different stocking levels near Bear Mountain in the Black Hills National Forest were surveyed over a 5-year period to determine how long they persisted as unbroken snags. Rate of breakage varied during the first 5 years after MPB infestation: only one tree broke during the first 2 years in the three stands; breakage increased during the third year; the highest percentage of snags broke during the fourth year; and 10% to 14% broke in the fifth year. Cumulatively, snag breakage was 76%, 91%, and 95% in a GSL 80/90, GSL 100/110, and unmanaged stand, respectively. On average, 56% of the snags broke below 25 ft. The rate and height of breakage in mountain pine beetle-killed trees indicates that they are unlikely to persist as suitable snags for more than 5 to 10 years after infestation.


Mountain Pine Beetle Dispersal Through Managed and Unmanaged Landscapes

Mountain Pine Beetle Dispersal Through Managed and Unmanaged Landscapes

Author: Mary Lynn Reid

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13:

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This report examines the distribution of mountain pine beetles with respect to stand composition at various scales in terms of both tree species and density. It further examines how the body condition of mountain pine beetles varies across the landscape, and suggests that these findings may explain some discrepancies in the evaluation of the success of management practices in Banff National Park.