A dynamic bioeconomic analysis of mountain pine beetle epidemics

In this paper, we develop a bioeconomic model of timber harvesting that includes dynamic interactions between mountain pine beetle (MPB) and a lodgepole pine forest with a disaggregated size structure. The model is used to investigate the consequences of alternative public management strategies on forest dynamics in the presence of MPB outbreaks. Management practices similar to those commonly practiced are shown to increase the severity of MPB cycles. Centrally coordinated forest management can eliminate MPB cycles and lessen the impacts of MPB outbreaks with only small reductions in the long-run stock of adult trees.