Evaluation of douglas-fir beetle in Shell Canyon, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

A Douglas-fir beetle outbreak is occuring in SHell Canyon on the Bighorn National Forest. The outbreak has already killed most of the Douglas-fir on the slope across from the Shell Visitor center and appears to be moving up the canyon from there. Without some sort of management actions, it is very likely that up to 70% of the Douglas-fir along the canyon with be killed. Use of sanitation and salvage harvest is recommended. Opportunities exist to recover wood value and provide a degree of protection to non-timber, high value resource areas.