Mountain Pine Beetle disturbance in Yellowstone National Park

Background/Question/Methods

Fire and Mountain Pine Beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) are two major disturbance agents affecting forests within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In this study, we have used spatial analysis and spatial population modeling to analyze the relationship between forest fire risk and mountain pine beetle outbreaks in Yellowstone National Park. 

Results/Conclusions

The results of these studies indicate these two forms of disturbance interact in a bidirectional manner, and this has consequences for the intensity and spatial patterns of fire and mountain pine beetle interaction within the park. The occurrence of these insect-fire interactions has significant implications for management practices in western forests.