Woodland Turnings: Bangles

The start of the current infestation in the BC Interior, which has devastated approximately 13 million hectares of pine forest, can be traced back to 1993. The beetle currently ranges from Ft St John in the north, the Alberta border in the east, Smithers to the west and the USA border to the south. Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) can also be found in 12 western states and as far south as Mexico. MPB prefers mature pine forest (trees over 80 years of age are classed as mature). BC has 3X more mature lodge pole pine than it did 90 years ago mainly because equipment and techniques for protecting forests against wildfire have significantly improved over time. The lifespan of a Mountain Pine Beetle is about one year. The beetles attack the pine trees by laying eggs under the bark. Once the larvae hatch, they over-winter where they continue to feed, mining the phloem area beneath the bark and eventually cut off the tree’s supply of nutrients. The larvae transform to pupae in June/July, with full adults emerging in summer and early fall. The beetles also carry a fungus that causes dehydration and inhibits a tree’s natural defences against subsequent beetle attacks. The fungi stain the wood blue or grey. Despite this discolouration, the wood remains as structurally sound as un-attacked pine and can still be used for quality products. (Source: Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests and Range)

Woodland Turnings

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