Abstract
Three forest disturbance periods, 1973—present, 1922–1929, and 1827–1946 were determined by aging scars on stems of lodgepole pine trees. All of the scars from the 1970's and 1920's, and most of the scars from the 1820's–40's were determined to be caused by the mountain pine beetle. A few scars from the earliest period may be the result of fire. Diagnostic characteristics of beetle scars are: resemblance to fire scars, pitch tubes, beetle emergence holes, blue stain, beetle galleries, retained bark on the scar face, and an orange or red discoloration around healthy sapwood. Beetle attacks tend to have a northeastern aspect and extend approximately two-thirds around tree boles at breast height. By recognizing beetle scars it is possible to accurately age previous mountain pine beetle attacks. Many scars which had been thought to be of fire origin are actually caused by the mountain pine beetle.
Published Version
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