Drought and bark beetles have killed over 200,000 acres of trees in New Mexico, worsening wildfire risk across parts of the state. State Forestry officials say drought-stressed trees lose their ability to defend against beetle attacks, while warm, dry conditions help beetle populations grow.

Hardest-Hit Areas

The hardest-hit areas included Socorro, Catron, Lincoln, and Otero counties, along with the northern Gila region. Officials said dead trees add to wildfire fuel loads. Once dead needles fall, trees become somewhat less likely to burn quickly, though the fallen material can still add to fire risk.

Monsoon moisture may help, but forestry officials said overcrowded forests remain a major problem. In northern Santa Fe, officials said damage was driven more by defoliating insects, especially Douglas fir tussock moth caterpillars, than by bark beetles alone.

Thinning Forests

State forestry officials said thinning forests can help remaining trees better withstand drought and insect attacks. They encouraged landowners and land managers to work with forestry professionals on long-term thinning plans. Victor Lucero, forest health program manager for the New Mexico Forestry Division, recommended that landowners implement a plan to reduce the number of trees on the landscape.

Lucero said the best time for tree cutting and removal is typically November through February, when colder conditions make it less likely that cut trees will attract bark beetles. He said tree deaths could continue to rise if drought and weak winter moisture persist. Still, he noted dead trees can return nutrients to the soil and provide habitat for insects and birds.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.