Mountain pine beetle-caused tree mortality in partially cut plots surrounded by unmanaged stands

Abstract

Mountain pine beetle activity was monitored in one set of 2.5 acre plots in the southern portion of the Black Hills National Forest over a 17-year period. Beetles attacked 77 percent of the trees in the uncut control, 48 percent of the trees in the growing stock level (GSL) 100/110, 53 percent of the trees in the GSL 80/90, and 9 percent of the trees in the GSL 60/70. The percentages of MPB-attacked trees in each 1 in diameter class were lowest in the GSL 60/70, intermediate in the GSL 80/90 and GSL 100/110, and highest in the uncut control. Live basal area was significantly reduced in the GSL 80/90, GSL 100/110, and control but not in the GSL 60/70. Partial cutting to reduce beetle-caused mortality may be ineffective for partially cut parcels of

Citation

Schmid, J. M.; Mata, S. A. 2005. Mountain pine beetle-caused tree mortality in partially cut plots surrounded by unmanaged stands. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-54. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 11 p.