A common question I often hear is, “So how’s retirement?” Although I sold the company over a year ago to F&W Forestry Services and Garrett Kleiner has taken on the role of the new IFM manager, I continue to work at IFM, offering help where I can. For the most part, though, I stay out of the way of all these talented professionals. I work part-time and remain actively engaged. As mentioned previously, the Inland Forest Management name is staying, and all the previous IFM staff are still here.

-Mike Wolcott

 

Woodborers are a natural part of our forest ecosystem, typically playing a role in the nutrient recycling of dead trees by chewing through wood and aiding decomposition. However, it has recently been observed that they are actively attacking seemingly healthy conifers. Often, woodpeckers follow up these insect infestations by chipping off bark as they search for their next meal.

 

Several factors may be predisposing live trees to woodborer attacks, with recent drought conditions being the primary suspect. Other contributing factors include root disease, shallow or rocky soils, and fire. Identification of a woodborer infestation can be similar to that of bark beetles, but there are some differences. Look for Douglas-fir or western larch with green foliage and the bark chipped off by woodpeckers. You may also see wide galleries with no distinct pattern packed with red powdery sawdust (frass) underneath the bark. Most of this damage has been observed in western larch and Douglas-fir.

 

While it is unlikely that woodborers will become a major cause of tree mortality in the Inland Northwest, they have now been added to the list of potential agents to consider when encountering a dead tree. Root disease and bark beetles will remain the primary threats, but woodborers are an additional factor to be aware of.

 

Tom Schultz, an Idaho resident, has been appointed by the Trump administration to serve as the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Tom has had a distinguished career in Idaho, working for the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the Idaho Forest Group (IFG). At IDL, he served as director, overseeing the management of several million acres of land. At IFG, Tom led timber procurement operations and managed relationships with government officials. Prior to these roles, he held leadership positions in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and is a former U.S. Air Force officer.

 

We are fortunate to have one of our own leading this critical agency. Tom’s background, his passion for forest management, and his relationship-building skills will be pivotal in advancing the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to manage its 193 million acres of public land.