Mountain Pine Beetle and Algae Blooms in Northwest Wyoming Sub Alpine Lakes

Abstract

Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) is a tree pest native to North America that has led to the death of up to 90% of conifers in some mountain regions. In concert with MPB infestations, there has been an increase in algae blooms in historically oligotrophic mountain lakes. This study sought to assess the impact of MPB-induced tree mortality on soil and water nutrient concentrations, as well as the frequency and severity of algae blooms. During July and August of 2023, tree mortality estimates and soil and water samples were collected from 8 sub-alpine lakes in northwestern Wyoming. Tree mortality estimates were paired with soil nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations to assess patterns of potential nutrient loading into the lakes of interest. Soil nutrient concentrations show no significant relationship with MPB-induced tree mortality, which may point to an interaction between local geology and climate change playing a greater factor in facilitating the algae blooms observed in this region.