Influence of Fires, Fungi and Mountain Pine Beetles on Development of a Lodgepole Pine Forest in South-Central Oregon
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Lodgepole Pine : The Species and Its Management Symposium Proceedings
Publication Date
1985
First Page
153
Last Page
162
Abstract
Virtually pure lodgepole pine stands form an edaphic climax community over large areas of the infertile pumice plateau of south-central Oregon. During our ongoing studies on the dynamics of these forest we developed the scenario that periodic fires create fungal infection courts in damaged roots; in time, advanced decay develops in the butts and stems of these trees. The mountain pine beetle preferentially selects and kills these trees during the flight season. As these outbreaks develop, additional uninfected trees are attacked. In time, the stage is set for subsequent fires as needles drop, snags fall, and logs decay.
Recommended Citation
Gara, R., Littke, W., Agee, J., Geiszler, D., Stuart, J. and Driver, C. Influence of fires, fungi and mountain pine beetles on development of a lodgepole pine forest in south-central Oregon, pp. 153-162 in DM Baumgartner et al. (eds) Lodgepole Pine : The Species and Its Management Symposium Proceedings. Washington State University, Pullman.
Comments
This item was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.