By Kristy Burnett
The annual forest health report, released today by the Colorado State Forest Service, assesses the condition of Colorado’s forests during another warm, dry year for the state. Following a wet and cool year in 2023, the shift back to near-record temperatures and below-average precipitation in Colorado last year stressed trees needing several years of mild conditions to build defenses against attack from forest pests. Bark beetles and other insects are building populations in forests across the state and changing fuel dynamics for wildfire as they leave dead and dying trees in their wake.
“Trees in Colorado can’t catch a break as our climate becomes warmer and dryer in Colorado,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the CSFS. “This ongoing trend toward persistent drought and higher temperatures not only makes trees easier prey for insects, but it increases the risk of large and severe wildfires. Couple that with more people living in areas prone to burn and the state faces enormous challenges. The good news is we know Colorado is on the right path to address these challenges and foster forests and communities that are resilient to wildfire and forest pests.”
The 2024 Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests details what insects and diseases remain the most prevalent forest health issues and where they are increasing their footprints, as well as the science behind the management actions taken to promote wildfire-resilient forests and healthy watersheds.
Insects and diseases
Western spruce budworm remains the most widespread forest pest in Colorado, according to aerial survey data from the CSFS and U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region. Data from the aerial survey also indicate mountain pine beetle continues to build populations along the Front Range, in Gunnison County and in parts of southwest Colorado; acres of trees killed by Douglas-fir beetle surpassed a level not seen in nearly a decade; and western balsam bark beetle remains the deadliest forest pest in Colorado for the third year in a row. This year’s report contains interactive maps and data for the public and land managers to see where insects are impacting forests.
Wildfire-resilient forests
The CSFS and its partners take a science-based approach to managing forests so they are resilient to wildfire. In this year’s report, the CSFS cites peer-reviewed research that underpins the principles of forest management, because active management is critical to help keep wildfires at a low severity and protect the many benefits that forests provide.
Healthy watersheds
Colorado’s forested watersheds are vital to the nation’s fresh water supply. With a dry climate, frequent droughts in Colorado and growing demand for water, protecting this water supply is a high priority for the CSFS and its partners. This year’s report details how high-severity wildfire can impact water quality, provides examples of costly wildfires that degraded water infrastructure and describes actions the CSFS and water providers take to promote healthy watersheds.
Brown trees killed by bark beetles are seen in a forest
Douglas-fir beetles killed these trees in southern Gunnison County. The Colorado State Forest Service will conduct treatments in this forest in 2025 to slow the outbreak. Photo: Dylan Eimer, CSFS
Regional forest health issues
The 2024 forest health report gives an update on the most prevalent forest pests on a regional level.
In Southwest Colorado, Western spruce budworm, Douglas-fir beetle and spruce beetle are prominent issues in many counties across southwest Colorado. The roundheaded pine beetle complex expanded its footprint in the Glade area of the San Juan National Forest northwest of Dolores, as well as the Naturita Canyon and Iron Spring Mesa areas of San Miguel County.
Download the 2024 Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests.
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) provides professional forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise, and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals.
Kristy Burnett writes for the Colorado State Forest Service.