Colorado's lodgepole pine forests are fire-adapted ecosystems where infrequent stand-replacing fires typically play a major role in regeneration. These forests are also home to mountain pine beetle, a native insect species that causes mortality in weakened trees when population levels are low. Mountain Pine Beetle may also occasionally cause high stand mortality under certain conditions. The highly visible red lodgepole stands across several Colorado forests have thrust this ecological process into the public consciousness, raising fears of extreme wildfires and negative socio-economic impacts. Are we witnessing an unprecedented catastrophic event or an infrequent yet natural disturbance? What are the possible changes in fire behavior and ecosystem response? How should we address ecological and social objectives across the beetle-killed landscape?

The Student Association for Fire Ecology and the C. P. Gillette Entomology Club have assembled an expert panel of researchers and land managers with experience in forest ecology, entomology, fire management, fire ecology and the social dimensions of fire. This discussion will focus on the current and future research and management directions for lodgepole pine forests.

We will start with a brief overview of the topic from the moderator, followed by panel member introductions. The audience will be able to direct questions to the panel for the remainder of the program. Our panel will use their experiences, and research, along with photos, figures, and maps to address questions. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Moderator:

Dr. Dan Binkley, Professor of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, and Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, CSU

Panelists:

Dr. Jessica Clement, Social Scientist and Forest Ecologist, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, CSU

Paul Mintier, Fire Management Officer, USDA Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District

Dr. Jose Negron, Entomologist, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

Dr. Bill Romme, Fire Ecologist, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, and Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, CSU

Dr. Bob Sturtevant, Forester, Colorado State Forest Service

Sponsored by: Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU), the Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship (FRWS), the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI), and the Department of Bioagricultural Sciences & Pest Management (BSPM).