The Western Bark Beetle Research Group - Basic and application-motivated research that enhances scientific understanding and solves real-world problems

Bark beetles cause extensive tree mortality in coniferous forests of western North America and play an important role in the disturbance ecology of these ecosystems. Recently, elevated levels of bark beetle-caused tree mortality have heightened public concern and awareness of the issue. In response, scientists from the three research stations of the USDA Forest Service located in the western United States formed the Western Bark Beetle Research Group (WBBRG) to strengthen cooperative working relationships among researchers and our many partners and stakeholders. Currently, our research concentrates on five areas of relevance to the public we service, including the effects of vegetation management treatments on bark beetles; the ecological, economic, and social consequences of bark beetle outbreaks; interactions between fire and bark beetles; the effects of climate change on bark beetles; and the study of chemical ecology.