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Simulation modeling as a tool for understanding the landscape ecology of the southern pine beetle infestations in Southern Appalachian forests.

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The forests of southeastern North America are influenced by a variety of

disturbances including fire and insect outbreaks. In this paper, we discuss the role

of disturbances in structuring forest landscapes with particular emphasis placed on

the reciprocal interaction between forest structure and outbreaks of the southern

pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann). We highlight work in which we

are currently involved to illustrate the importance and utility of using spatially

explicit forest modeling as a tool for understanding forest–insect interactions and

its potential role in determining management strategies.

Citation

Cairns, David MArtin; Lafon, Charles W.; Birt, Andrew G.; Waldron, John D.; Tchakerian, Maria; Coulson, Robert N.; Xi, Weimin; Klepzig, Kier. 2008. Simulation modeling as a tool for understanding the landscape ecology of the southern pine beetle infestations in Southern Appalachian forests. Geograpy Compass 2/3: 580-599
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/34201