Trees to receive ” ‘verbenone pouches’ that contain a synthetic pheromone to trick beetles into thinking the trees are already full of beetles”-
Fighting pine bark beetles is very expensive, but these giant, ancient trees have been determined to be worth it. Good news!
Whitebarks in Pioneers [Pioneer Mountains] get protection from beetles. Associated Press.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan's Wolf Report. He was a founder of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. He and Jackie Johnson Maughan wrote three editions of "Hiking Idaho." He also wrote "Beyond the Tetons" and "Backpacking Wyoming's Teton and Washakie Wilderness." He created and is the administrator of The Wildlife News.
These sound like truly magnificent trees!
Looks like in the Ketchum area they are looking for volunteers and donations for a very worth while project to save these monarchs:
http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005131651
If this really works environmental groups should support this with $’s and volunteers. Federal forests & parks use many volunteers & this would be a great job for these folks to take on.