Socioecological Impacts of the Western Pine Beetle Outbreak in Southern California: Lessons for The Future

Abstract

Insects are important components of forest ecosystems representing most of the biological diversity and affecting virtually all processes. Some phytophagous species occasionally become so abundant that they threaten ecological, economic, social, and aesthetic values. The western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) is a major disturbance in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests throughout much of the western United States. A notable outbreak, regarded by some as among the most severe for this species of bark beetle, occurred in southern California in the early 2000s. What is known about the socioecological impacts of the southern California outbreak is reviewed using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) framework. Knowledge gaps of consequence to better understanding and anticipating the impacts of future outbreaks are identifed.

Citation

Fettig, Christopher J. 2018. Socioecological Impacts of the Western Pine Beetle Outbreak in Southern California: Lessons for The Future. Journal of Forestry. 117(2): 138-143. https://doi.org/10.1093/jofore/fvy029.