THE MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE STORY

The logs and lumber that Power River Log Cabins uses in the construction of our unique cabins is harvested in the area surrounding Summit County, Colorado.   The White River National Forest surrounds Summit County and its towns.

During the mining era of the 1800's, the forest in and around Summit County was often clear-cut of large and healthy trees.   At that time, there was a more diverse forest in terms of the types of trees that flourished.   The trees that provided the most dense lumber were harvested for cabins, mining shafts and other uses that required timber.

The result of the clear-cutting was an introduction of lodgepole pine trees, a pioneer species that often settles in an area after a disturbance such as clear-cutting.

Many of the lodgepole pine forests in the area are approximately 120 years old, which is considered the maximum age for such a tree. Thereafter, the trees become susceptible to insects and disease.

The mature pines have always been attacked by the Mountain Pine Beetle.   However, due to the recent droughts, mild winters, and warm temperatures, the insect population has reached epidemic proportions. The beetles are attacking trees that are now only 5" in diameter.

The Mountain Pine Beetle has a one year life cycle.   Pine beetles bore into trees during the summer.    They burrow just below the bark, and spend the winter in the tree, where they hatch about 75 eggs. The eggs mature and the new beetles "fly" out of the tree in early summer, in search of a new tree to bore into.

When the beetle bores into the tree, it introduces blue stain fungal spores, which are carried on the beetle's body.   It is these spores which are believed to choke off the tree's ability to move nutrients. The tree begins to die, and the needles of the trees turn brown and fall off.

This fungus results in the characteristic blue-stain seen in the wood.

To learn more about the Mountain Pine Beetle visit: summitpinebeetle.org