Bridger-Teton sprays developed sites to protect trees
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
June 26, 2013
In an effort to protect high-value trees around various developed recreation sites, the Bridger-Teton National Forest will be contracting with a provider that will apply Carbaryl, an insecticide designed for combating mountain pine beetles, in the majority of the campgrounds and developed recreation areas on the Forest.
Many of the lodgepole pine and whitebark stands on the Bridger-Teton have been infested with Mountain Pine Beetle, which has killed trees across the Forest. In an effort to protect susceptible high value recreation area trees from the beetle, the Forest is having the trees protected chemically.
Additionally, Verbenone pouches, which are pouches that emit special chemical pheromones to keep insects from invading particular areas, will be placed in various parts of the campgrounds in order to deter the beetles. "Special precautions will be taken to protect the water outlets during the applications for these insects," said Acting Forest Supervisor Cheryl Probert. "Furthermore, if needed we will close the facilities temporarily only for the day of treatment," she added. Crews will avoid spraying 100-feet from live water or in winds greater than 15-miles per hour. Picnic tables and fire grates will also be covered to protect from Carbaryl application.
The forest recreation staff will be posting the areas with information of the upcoming schedule. Work is expected to begin June 27, 2013. Roughly 2116 lodgepole pine, 100 Douglas fir, and 780 whitebark pine will be treated.
Lodgepole pine will be treated on the Kemmerer Ranger District at the Kelley Guard Station and Clear Creek State Cabin. On the Jackson Ranger District, the lodgepole pines at the Kozy Campground, and Granite campground and hot springs will be sprayed. Turpin Meadows Campground, the Blackrock Ranger Station, and Hatchet Campground will be treated on the Buffalo Ranger District, and on the Pinedale Ranger District the lodgepole pines at Dutch Joe Guard Station, Big Sandy trailhead and campground, Willow Guard Station, and Elkhart developed site will be sprayed.
Wyoming, recreationists can expect the Whitebark pine trees to be treated at La Barge Creek, and Deadline Ridge on the Kemmerer District. Additionally, on the Jackson Ranger District the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Gunsight pass will be sprayed. Squaw basin, Grouse Mountain, and Leidy Lake will be treated on the Buffalo District and on the Pinedale Ranger District both Buffalo Meadow, and Fish Creek will have the whitebark pine trees treated.
Forest Service assessors will be out and inspecting the contractor’s work during the spraying. Since 2005, the Bridger-Teton has been using pheromones and insecticides to try to protect the trees.
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