A Douglas-fir tree struck by lightning in Columbia County. Photo: Oregon Department of Forestry
The Oregon Department of Forestry says the 2021 ice storm, which brought down many large-diameter Douglas-firs across the state created the potential for an outbreak of the native Douglas-fir beetle.
Christine Buhl, a Department of Forestry entomologist, said tree stands with pre-existing stress from drought, root disease, or other causes, are the most at-risk for a beetle outbreak, which tend to last one to three years before collapsing on their own.
“During that time beetles can move from downed wood to healthy Douglas-fir trees nearby, weakening or killing them,” Buhl said.
Douglas-firs infested with the . . .
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