Beetle Infestation Declining But Damage Remains

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A waning pine beetle outbreak in the Rocky Mountain states is leaving dead trees in its wake.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports the outbreak that began in 1996 has killed thousands of mature trees in states including Colorado and Wyoming.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests official Mark Westfahl says people should be aware of their surroundings and avoid camping or parking near dead trees.

Westfahl says the native pine beetles have probably eaten all the trees they would have attacked.

Forest officials have been clearing dead trees in campgrounds and other public areas for years.

The spruce beetle continues to impact trees in Colorado while subsiding in Wyoming.