Pine Beetle Alert

The Colorado State Forest Service has alerted state residents that the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) may emerge as soon as mid-June, which is less than three weeks away. This early emergence poses a serious threat to trees in our community. If you have trees on your property whose needles have recently started to brown, they are likely infected with MPB. Immediate action should be taken before the beetles emerge and spread to infect more trees.

Understanding the Mountain Pine Beetle Threat

The Mountain Pine Beetle is a small insect that attacks pine trees by burrowing under the bark and laying eggs. The larvae feed on the tree’s inner bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water. This causes the needles to turn brown and eventually kills the tree. The beetles typically emerge in early summer, and this year’s early emergence means the window to control the infestation is very narrow.

Mountain Pine Beetle

If left unchecked, MPB can spread rapidly through neighborhoods and forests, killing large numbers of trees. This not only affects the natural beauty of our community but also increases wildfire risk and impacts local wildlife habitats.

Identifying Infected Trees

Look for these signs on your property:

• Needles turning yellow, red, or brown, especially if this change is recent

• Pitch tubes on the bark, which look like small, popcorn-shaped resin masses

• Bark that is loose or falling off

• Small holes in the bark where beetles have entered

What You Can Do to Protect Your (and your Neoighbor's) Trees

Taking quick action can help stop the spread of MPB. Here are two effective methods:

1. Remove and Cover Infected Trees

• Cut down the infected tree as soon as possible.

• Cut the trunk into manageable pieces.

• Cover the trunk pieces with clear plastic sheeting.

• Secure the plastic tightly to trap the beetles inside.

• The heat that builds up under the plastic will kill the beetles.

  
  

2. Take Trunks to the Tincup Ridge Slash Yard

• Instead of wrapping the infected wood with plastic sheeting, you can take trunk pieces to the Tincup Ridge Slash Yard located at 101 Rooney Road, Golden, CO 80401

• Note that the slash site at Elk Creek Elementary School, which opens June 4th, does not accept infected trunks. Limbs from infected trees can be taken to Elk Creek Elementary slash site, but not the trunks.

Community Support and Resources

If you need assistance removing infected trees, please contact Wade Hiers, head of the Community Outreach Committee, at drpoa.president21@gmail.com. Wade and the committee can provide guidance and support. Also, if you are willing to help with community efforts to control MPB, please reach out to Wade to offer your assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation,

DRPOA Board of Directors