Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Project

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Native Pest Threatens Pine Forest

Historically, the southern pine beetle (SPB) has been the most destructive pest facing commercial pine forests in East Texas and across the South.

The worst outbreak on record in Texas occurred in 1985. During that year, more than 15,000 infestations were reported.

The mortality was incredibly high. So many trees died, foresters estimated that roughly 5,000 houses could have been built with all the lumber.

Compounding the problem is the fact that most commercial pine forests in Texas belong to small, private landowners who seldom are equipped to deal with periodic bark beetle outbreaks.

TFS Response:

• SPB infestations can be prevented through sound forestry practices, such as thinning dense pine stands to promote vigorous growth. Since 2003, Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) has offered technical assistance and federal cost shares to encourage private landowners to adopt SPB prevention measures.

• TFS entomologists have conducted regional workshops and published regular news articles to educate landowners about the SPB threat and the importance of prevention.

• More than 100,000 acres of beetle-prone forests in Texas have received SPB prevention treatments (first thinning) since the program’s inception.
• The program has also supported loggers and private consulting foresters by sustaining employment opportunities.

Economic Impact:

• Over 1,600 landowners in 35 East Texas counties have received more than $5.5 million in cost shares to promote timely thinning of young pine forests, despite depressed pulpwood markets.
• During peak infestation years, annual timber losses exceeded $60 million.
• No infestations have occurred in East Texas since the program began.

• Thinned stands are expected to experience fewer infestations when SPB returns, and any outbreaks are likely to remain small compared to unthinned forests.

• Pulpwood harvested from the 100,000 treated acres has contributed $16 million to the local economy.
• Participating landowners enjoy healthier pine stands and additional benefits such as reduced fire hazards, improved wildlife habitat, increased growth rates, and higher values when crop trees are harvested.

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• TAMFS