The Beetle Infestation in Conifer

1. A Comeback Begins

After years of relative quiet, the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) is staging a resurgence. Once contained, it exploded again in 2024, affecting roughly 5,600 acres of forests across Colorado, including parts of the Front Range and Mosquito Range Colorado Public RadioThe Colorado Sun.

Although not at the catastrophic levels seen between 1996 and 2014—when nearly 80% of pine forests along the Front Range were decimated—localized outbreaks are increasing in density and severity Colorado State Forest Service+1. With Conifer nestled within Jefferson County, these patterns likely reflect the situation on your doorstep.

2. Why Now? The Role of Drought and Climate

Persistent dry and warm years have weakened trees’ natural defenses. Without adequate moisture, pines cannot produce enough resin (or “pitch”) to push out invading beetles The Colorado SunColorado State Forest Servicehealthylawn.netWikipedia.

Ironically, mild winters mean fewer beetle populations are wiped out by freezing temperatures—allowing them to breed longer and strike earlier and more aggressively Colorado Public RadioWikipedia.

3. The Tree’s Telltale Signs

Watch for these red flags in your pines:

• Needles that shift to rust-colored or reddish-brown before dropping the following summer Colorado State Forest ServiceWikipedia.

• “Pitch tubes”—small, popcorn-like resin blobs on the trunk—are surfaces where beetles have infiltrated Colorado State Forest ServiceWikipedia.

• Boring dust: fine sawdust accumulating in bark crevices or at the tree’s base Colorado State Forest Servicehealthylawn.net.

• Inside the bark, woodpecker damage or blue-stain fungus—a telltale infection carried by beetles—may be visible Colorado State Forest ServiceWikipedia.

4. What Is Being Done Locally

Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) is actively responding. In Elk Meadow Park near Evergreen, the number of beetle-infested trees has tripled since 2024—prompting crews to intervene directly to stop further spread Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH). Conifer shares similar forest environments and risks.

While MPB numbers are rising, statewide forester Mike Till emphasizes that the insect's numbers still remain below epidemic levels seen in previous decades KOAA News 5.

5. Prevention & Management—Your Options

For residents and landowners:

• Stay vigilant—inspect your ponderosa, lodgepole, and limber pines often Colorado State Forest Service+1.

• Act fast on early detection—removing infested trees promptly limits spread Colorado State Forest Service+1.

• Thinning stand diversity—reducing tree density encourages vigor and resilience Colorado State Forest ServiceWikipedia.

• Solar treatments—infested logs can be stacked in sun under clear plastic to kill larvae Colorado State Forest Service+1.

• Insecticide sprays—applied before beetle flight (May to July), sprays can protect valuable trees healthylawn.net.

• Pheromone baiting—using semiochemical packets to lure beetles to trap trees can contain outbreaks on small scales Colorado State Forest ServiceWikipedia.

• Forest restoration—removing dead trees helps reduce fire risk and allows for replanting with healthier species and spacing Wikipedia+1.

6. The Fire Risk Connection

Dead pines are like kindling stacked in the forest. The more trees fall victim to beetles, the higher the wildfire hazard becomes—dead wood fuels more intense fires Wikipedia+1. Prioritizing removal and restoration is a dual win—for both forest health and community safety.

7. A Shared Responsibility

This is a community-wide challenge. Local efforts, personal preparedness, and coordination with forestry services and open space managers make all the difference. Conifer’s ecosystem—and residents' properties—stand to benefit when everyone acts early and wisely.

In Summary

• Mountain Pine Beetle is on the rise again, with increasing activity near Conifer.

• Hot, dry conditions and mild winters are fueling the resurgence.

• Early detection and active management are critical defenses.

• Local interventions, like those in Elk Meadow Park, show that positive action is underway.

• Combating beetle infestations also helps reduce wildfire risks.

Call to action: Walk your property this summer. Learn the signs of infestation. Get help from Colorado State Forest Service or your local forester if you suspect trouble. Protecting our forests begins tree by tree—let’s act before it’s too late.