Tree allocation to growth versus defense as a predictor of mortality during spruce beetle outbreaks in boreal Alaska

Project ID: 25-JV-11261918-076

Federal Agency: U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station

Partner Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage

Fiscal Year: 2025

Initial Funding: $74,426

Total Funding: $74,426

Principal Investigator: Sullivan, Patrick

Agreement Technical Representative: Tarvin, Nick

Abstract: 

The purpose of this agreement is to document the cooperation between the parties to research spruce bark beetles in southcentral Alaska that have impacted over 1 million acres and killed an estimated 30 million trees per year since the 1990s. Increased tree mortality has changed the composition and productivity of Alaska forests, impacting forest resources (e.g. timber, firewood, recreation) and elevated wildfire risk in certain regions. The current northward march of spruce bark beetles is a major threat to the vast forests of interior Alaska that have not been exposed to this pest. Understanding the tree and forest stand vulnerability to these impacts will be crucial for mitigation efforts in high-value locations and for estimating potential losses of timber resources of interior Alaska. This agreement is intended to fund a key area of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program that aligns with Agency priorities to identify forest resources impacted by pests and potentially increase the risk of wildfire. This agreement leverages the spatial breadth of the FIA program and the expertise of external partners to fulfill this Agency goal.