Will bark-beetles infest the Methow Valley?

Question

What is the Methow Valley (esp. Winthrop, WA) area's susceptibility to bark beetles? Did the 2014 Carlton Complex wildfires increase the vulnerability due to the large numbers of dead, dying, and stressed pine and fir species in the area. Are there ways I can reduce the vulnerability of my property, which is already in open, park-like stands?

Answer 1

Depending on the level of coniferous forests near your property can impact how well bark beetles are able to infiltrate the area. They tend to prefer dead, dying, or weakened hosts (trees). If you limit the number of dead trees and foliage on your property you will have a good chance of preventing the bark beetle from coming to your property. The US forest service has created a "synthesis" of bark/pine beetle knowledge that might be worth a look as well.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/46025