Description:
Mountain pine beetle populations reached epidemic level on the Hebgen
Lake Ranger District in 1970. Infested area increased from 6,680 acres
in 1970 to 78,000 acres in 1977. Buildup ratio of trees killed in 1976
to trees killed in 1977 is 1:8. Approximately 1,700,000 trees,
containing 175 MMBF of merchantable timber, are currently infested. An
accelerated program of logging infested trees and silvicultural
treatment to reduce the inventory of large diameter trees is
recommended. In high use areas (campgrounds and administrative
sites), 3,027 trees are currently infested. Buildup ratio is expected
to exceed 1:1 in 1978. In high use areas all green lodgepole pine
7 inches d.b.h. and larger, which are to be retained, should be sprayed
with the protective spray Sevimol 4. Infested trees should be removed
prior to July 1, 1978. Trees that have been dead for several years may
be a hazard and should be removed.