As western forests dry%2C trees become weakened and%2C as Olsen says%2C are %26quot%3Bsitting ducks%26quot%3B for outbreaks of voracious mountain beetles. If lack of moisture doesn%27t kill trees%2C insects will%2C leaving forests with dead needs temporarily more susceptible to burning.  Photo of national forest in Colorado courtesy USDA
As western forests dry%2C trees become weakened and%2C as Olsen says%2C are %26quot%3Bsitting ducks%26quot%3B for outbreaks of voracious mountain beetles. If lack of moisture doesn%27t kill trees%2C insects will%2C leaving forests with dead needs temporarily more susceptible to burning. Photo of national forest in Colorado courtesy USDA