SECTION F SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

SPECIAL REPORT

Our Dying Forests

Utah and the West face a big problem from a tiny pest: beetles. The busy bugs, aided by a warming climate, are killing millions and millions of acres of trees. Underfunded and understaffed land caretakers are fighting back, but many experts fear it may be too little, too late.

Page F2 Unprecedented beetle attack may change forests forever. Page F4 When it comes to fire danger, trees may be better off dead. Page F5 Utah is losing its most vital commercial conifer. Page F6 One mans army battles the bugs one tree at a time. Page F7 Its a black day for Yellowstones whitebark. Page F8 Idaho nursery hopes baby trees will save the day. Cover photo The naked and the dead: Whitebark pine forests, east of Jackson Hole, Wyo., are succumbing to beetles.

RICK EGAN | The Salt Lake Tribune