Lost Lake Logging.

Before removing a forest, a logging crew will mark the boundaries of the clear cut with posted signs like this one in Northern Colorado.
In some cases before forest removal, logging crews will indicate which trees should be cut like these two lodgepole pines there were killed by Mountain Pine Beetle infestation in Colorado.
A network of new logging roads have been cut into what was previously roadless areas in the White River National Forest to clear cut lodgepole pine trees impacted by climate change.
Forest removal is often carried out by small logging crews including this one where a single machine operator clear cuts a massive swath of lodgepole pine trees in Northern Colorado.

In states like Colorado, the climate emergency is amplifying natural processes within forest ecosystems. One of those processes is native mountain pine beetle infestations that are impacting Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine forests. In contrast to historic infestations, millions of acres of lodgepole pines have been killed all at once over a short span of time, dramatically increasing forest fuel loads. Paired with unprecedented drought conditions throughout the American West, this increases the chance for catastrophic wildfires which burn much hotter than historic wildfires, sterilizing up to 12 inches of soil. This is important to note because it takes roughly 1,000 years to create 1 inch of soil in forest ecosystems.

People are split on what to do with lodgepole forests that have been impacted by mountain pine beetle infestation. Some believe leaving the dead trees where they are gives the forests a chance to eventually return to homeostasis. Others feel that removing the trees speeds up the natural process by somewhat mimicking what happens during historic wildfires. Many private landowners are opting to capitalize on the infestation by selling contracts to have lodgepole pines removed for sale and export.

There are pros and cons to both arguments but one thing is for sure, the unprecedented loss of North America’s lodgepole pine forests is negatively impacting snowpack, making current drought conditions throughout the region worse.

Contact Witness Tree Media for usage licensing fees for any of the photographs or videos.

Start Telling Visual Stories Now.

Grow your audience and increase your fundraising efforts by telling visual stories that spotlight the important work your environmental organization is doing to make a positive impact on our planet.

Tell Stories