Wind-Storm Damaged Forests More Susceptible to Bark Beetles

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho forestry officials are warning landowners with trees damaged by recent wind storms that their property could be more susceptible to infestations of some bark beetles next spring.

The Coeur D'Alene Press reports trees uprooted or broken in the storms in north Idaho and the Spokane area can become infested by bark beetles once the weather warms up again and then they will likely spread to healthier trees.

Forest health officials at the Idaho Department of Lands recommend removing damaged trees and burning, chipping or removing branches from the property.

Landowners should be careful to dry logs and green wood from the damaged trees as quickly as possible, to prevent the beetles from settling in. And they do not recommend stacking green firewood next to live standing trees.