Originally Posted by PR_Tom

I dont think you can find a US Gov. admission that the increase of beetle damage is due to warming, but the Canadian gov does:

"Why is British Columbia in the midst of a mountain pine beetle epidemic?

Forests of mature lodgepole pine are prime habitat for the mountain pine beetle. The beetle also thrives under warm weather conditions. The interior of British Columbia has an abundance of mature lodgepole pine, and has experienced several consecutive mild winters and drought-like summers. Beetle populations in many parts of interior B.C. have increased to epidemic levels as a result."

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/mountai...etle/faq.htm#2