Insects, disease and parasites are more problematic today because of fire suppression. Fire helps maintain tree spacing, which is necessary for a healthy forest. A dense stand of trees must compete for light, nutrients, and space and becomes weaker with time. Dwarf mistletoe, one parasite, is used by very few organisms, but will quickly destroy the timber in this area. In addition, mistletoe’s presence within the tops of trees makes infested areas highly susceptible to crown fires.

Also see:

Rock Canyon 1 Thinning