08/12/09 Big Lake

In this ‘You ask; We answer,' Chris asks, "What is the Forest Service doing to control the spread of the pine beetle infestation at Big Lake which is located on top of the Santiam Pass next to Hoodoo ski area. The lake is a popular boating and camping destination in the summer. The pine trees along the shoreline are being devastated by the bugs. It appears that within 2 years or so there won't be any left!"

That area is part of the Willamette National Forest.  Rangers tell us the insect killing trees there is called the ‘bark beetle.'   Generally, beetles attack weaker trees.  Historically, the Lodge Pole pine trees are damaged in two different ways.

"They're killed through fire or through bugs.  What you're seeing up there is just the natural process taking action.  The dead trees impact people but we are allowing nature to take its course," says Judy McHugh with Willamette National Forest.