There’s no doubt, the Colorado mountain landscape has gone through some dramatic changes over the last decade. Most anyone that you talk to will agree that Colorado has been known for its dense pine forests. For a large portion of the state, that perception has ended. The lowly little fellow known as the Mountain Pine Beetle has brought about this change. The change of scenery is only part of the effects facing Colorado residents and visitors. The die-out of so many trees is also creating a safety hazard!

For hikers, backpackers, campers and other individuals out to enjoy a day in certain portions of the Colorado forest, the standing dead pines brought about by the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) epidemic are creating a real danger. Fire is an obvious threat. But before we discuss the inherent fire possibilities, there’s another very real danger; falling trees and blow-downs.

As the trees that have fallen victim to the MPB infestation dry out, their root system decays, providing less and less support. Eventually, normal wind gusts can bring trees crashing to the ground, and the infamous Colorado micro-bursts can bring large sections of these trees down in an instant. The Forest Service and local counties are doing an excellent job of removing trees that present a falling hazard, especially in locations that see a large number of visitors. Sadly, campgrounds that were once shaded by dense pine canopies are now fully exposed. In many campgrounds, picnic grounds and other recreation locations it has been necessary to clear cut the trees in order to create a safe environment for visitors. For those that prefer adventures in the less traveled and back country regions of Colorado, falling trees can be a real concern! How can you protect yourself and your family? Like most things, it starts with common sense. Examine the area you’re in, avoid dense sections of dead trees. Are there dead trees that are leaning against another in the canopy? We’ve seen a relatively small wind bring a “leaner” crashing to the ground with almost no warning! Moderate winds can easily bring a decaying tree down. If the wind picks up, get to a clearing that is out of reach of falling trees. When strong winds are present, it’s best to just stay out of the Beetle kill zones. When picking a camping spot in beetle kill areas, set up your camp and park your vehicle where they won’t be hit by falling trees. Carry an ax or chainsaw if you plan on traveling in remote areas. If a tree falls and blocks the road, you won’t be trapped. Always plan out an egress route so if a problem happens, you’ll be able to safely leave the area another way.

The Yellowstone fires, still a vivid memory for some, have caused many people to reflect on the type of fire potential that exists in the huge sections of dead or dying pines. In the most dramatically impacted areas, the Forest Service is working at a frantic pace in an effort to reduce the potential for problems. In campgrounds and throughout the forest, trees are being removed to reduce the fire danger and reduce the spread of the MPB epidemic. However, there are still large dead areas to content with. So when planning a trip into the forest, make sure you consider where you plan to visit. How much of the area is standing dead? What is the current fire danger rating? In the event of a fire, is there an alternate route out? The Colorado Forest Service is doing everything possible to make sure affected forests are still safe for you and your family! But like Yellowstone, some events are beyond man’s control. Use good common sense when entering infested areas. Analyze your escape routes, don’t allow yourself to be trapped. If there are campfire restrictions in place, make sure that you, and everyone around you, respect those restrictions! It only takes one inconsiderate individual to bring a whole forest to the ground.

Forest experts say the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation is a normal cyclical occurrence, and even though this has been the worst event on record, it will come to an end. In the meantime, care must be exercised when visiting Beetle kill sections of the Colorado forest. Be prepared and use good sense to ensure a safer adventure in these unique forest zones.

Want to help? You can help prevent the spread of MPB by not transporting wood. Use the wood where you collect it. And if you’re looking for wood to burn in your campfire, standing or leaning trees with no needles are an excellent choice. Once the needles have all dropped, the wood is dry and the Beetles have moved on to greener pastures.

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