Ponderosa Pine Citizen Science Project
Mapping the health of ponderosa pine trees in the Flathead Valley.
Background
Starting in the summer of 2022 Flathead Valley has been witness to pockets of declining ponderosa pine trees, namely due to a rise in the prevalence of western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis). The size of a grain of rice, this insect is effective at girdling and killing trees that are predisposed to stress due to overcrowding or drought.
Western Pine Beetle
Flathead Valley Community College's Natural Resource Conservation and Management students have developed a citizen science mapping effort to investigate the health of ponderosa pine trees in the Flathead Valley. Volunteers participating in this effort will assist students, researchers and natural resource managers in their understanding of the distribution of pine decline as well as individual tree and forest characteristics that may influence resiliency.
Results will be made available in real time through a map and data dashboard as health assessments are submitted. Additional information and results will be posted on this website as this project progresses. This effort is partly funded by the FVCC Foundation and is a joint effort between FVCC and the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
PIPO Project - Get involved
For more information on how you can join in this citizen science effort, please contact either of the following:
- Tim Eichner , Flathead Valley Community College, (406) 756-3898 or teichner@fvcc.edu
- Diane Whited , Flathead Lake Biological Station, (406) 872-4532 or diane.whited@umontana.edu
Scan this QR code with your phone's camera app. Following link provide to access the survey form.
The community was invited to join the training on Wednesday, October 18. A recording of this training seminar is accessible through this link .
Resources for Citizen Scientist
How to Enable Location For iPhone or iPad Users (not all devices require this)
How to Turn Off Location Service on Android
Results
Results of Citizen Science Data
Western Pine Beetle Information
Oregon Department of Forestry - Bark Beetles Part 1 Intro
Oregon Department of Forestry - Bark Beetles Part 2 Bark Beetles in Pine
