Pine beetle infestation is another big problem. They are able to burrow into trees that are older than 20 years old (softer bark) and then kill the tree from the jnside. When the weather is below -30 during the winter they are killed. Our winters are warmer, so some blame climate change.

However, if forest fires are allowed to burn many of the older trees will die and new trees will grow (pine cones need 230 f to open) and the pine beetle wouldn’t be able to burrow into their young bark.

If you walk through a forest that has burned a year or two afterwards, the amount.l of new growth is astounding and beautiful.