The Need for Intensive Forest Management to Reduce Southern Pine Beetle Activity in East Texas

Abstract

Abstract Since 1955 commercial forest land in east Texas has declined 6 percent while growing stock volume per acre has almost doubled. At the same time, the southern pine beetle population has increased tenfold. It is postulated that increasing numbers of high-density pine stands susceptible to southern pine beetle attack have become available for infestation. This trend will continue for at least 20 to 30 years. At present, the only method available to land managers to reduce the risk of timber loss to the southern pine beetle is to practice intensive forest management.