Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy- Field Institute instructor, Jeff Connor, as he explores the beetles that ate the west. This informative course studies the largest beetle outbreak in history; from British Columbia to New Mexico and from Colorado to California, forests have been losing trees faster now than 50 years ago. More than 70 percent of trees in Rocky Mountain National park have been affected by the beetle.
This class is offered June 23 at 8 a.m. at Trail River Ranch, located west from Hwy. 34 between the Holzwarth Historic Site and the Onahu trailhead, approximately two miles inside the park from the West entrance. Spend the day with naturalist Connor and learn about forest insects and diseases and how they affect wildlife, wildfires and the landscape. Discuss important park management issues related to beetle outbreak and what the future may hold for its forests.
For 25 years Connor worked as a natural resources specialist in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he was responsible for the bark beetle management program at the beginning of the outbreak in the Park in 2006. As a wildland fire fighter for more than 20 years, he has worked on a National Burn Area Emergency Rehab Team doing emergency assessments on impacts to human life, property cultural and natural resources following fire. Now retired Connor is a talented and engaging instructor for the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
For more information on how to register for this class or other Rocky Mountain Conservancy- Field Institute classes, please visit rmconservancy.org or call 970-586-3262.