Simulating the effects of the southern pine beetle on regional dynamics 60 years into the future

► We modeled long-term joint dynamics of southern pine beetles and pine forests. ► Beetle activity and forest management both influence landscape dynamics. ► Forest thinning reduces beetle effects more when beetle activity is high. ► Under high beetle activity, forest thinning does not fully protect the landscape. ► We extended prior efforts by projecting regional beetle dynamics into the future.