Washington Forest Health Issues in 2003

Pine Bark Beetles

Pine bark beetle populations continue at epidemic levels with more than 313,000 acres of mortality mapped statewide. Although this is down from the 330,000 acres recorded in 2003 it is still cause for concern.

Extensive areas of scattered overstory ponderosa pine mortality were mapped north and west of Spokane at somewhat higher intensities than in 2003.

Furthermore, in the Cascades there was yet another marked increase of activity by mountain pine beetle in whitebark pine with almost 13,000 acres of mortality mapped, up from about 1,700 acres in 2002. These trees have been weakened by white pine blister rust for many years, and the current high populations of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole pine combined with droughty conditions have increased the susceptibility of whitebark pine to mountain pine beetle.

Additional Information

Historical Activity in Northeastern WA with Drought Correlation