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  Evidence of a 25 year old clear cut as well as a recent prescribed burn, can still be seen in this view of Mt. Dutton and the surrounding area. However, the full effects of a recent spruce beetle outbreak in this same area will not be evidenced for many years to come, but will forever alter this ecosystem. As this drama unfolds, resource managers as well as individuals will be forced to look at natural events and management in a new light. Are efforts to eliminate selective logging and fire misguided? Was an insect outbreak of this magnitude a direct result of too much fire suppression? In fact many communities are fire-adaptive and require periodic fire for regeneration and to stave off disease. What will be the economic impact to loggers, ranchers, hunters and recreationists that rely on Mt. Dutton for income, rangeland, trophy deer and elk hunting, and pristine site seeing and wildlife viewing? Perhaps there is no “best” answer, but our legacy 25 years from now will be how we choose to deal with such opportunities. |
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