A massive mountain pine beetle infestation is affecting forests in the heart of Colorado's ski country. Such infestations are part of the natural life cycle of a forest but are also a growing source of concern for skiers and ski resorts. In Beaver Creak, for example, huge stands of trees have died in the past decade, which is changing the face of powder skiing in the area. There is also the potential danger of the infested trees falling over and hitting passers-by or buildings. ...To minimise this risk, in Vail, 1,200 trees have been removed around buildings in the past two summers. But selective thinning is just one part of the solution. Researchers are also trying to develop an enzyme or vaccine to protect living trees from infestation.
Taken from:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/winter_activities/article/0,2777,DRMN_23946_5152562,00.html
The mountain pine beetle is native to the forests of western North America. Also known as the Black Hills beetle or the Rocky Mountain pine beetle, it primarily infests pine trees. Outbreaks can be devastating and have resulted in the loss of millions of trees.
More info. on the mountain pine beetle:
http://csfs.colostate.edu/iandd.htm#mpb
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