Data for "Reconstructing historical outbreaks of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole pine forests in the Colorado Front Range"

This data publication includes data collected in support of a study to reconstruct mountain pine beetle outbreaks in lodgepole pine forests using insect symptomatology on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District, in the Colorado Front Range. In the summers of 2012, 2013, and 2015 we identified logs of mountain pine beetle-killed trees from 11 sites based on visually identifiable signs of beetle infestation and collected cross-sections and tree cores, developed tree ring chronologies and determined death dates through tree ring analysis. Included in this publication are data from the logs and cores sampled at each of 11 sites. From a cross-section of each log or core we provide pith or inside date, death date, age at death, and mortality event that the log was associated with. Diameter at breast height data is available for the trees that could be reliably measured.
Mountain pine beetle is a major natural disturbance agent that can cause extensive tree mortality of lodgepole pine in the Colorado Front Range and across western conifer forests in the United States. There is little published information on the history of outbreaks of mountain pine beetles across its range and none from the Colorado Front Range. Past reconstructions have relied on the examination of growth releases of surviving trees which can actually be the result of a number of factors. In this study, insect attack symptomatology was used to identify trees killed by the insect. Tree-ring analysis was then used to identify precise (within a few years) death dates. Continuing our examination of historical insect outbreaks and interacting disturbances will lead to a better understanding of forest stand development and inform future management strategies to maintain sustainable and resilient ecosystems.