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Posted Sat Jan 23 2010: from Durango Herald: Spruce beetle outbreak keeps growing http://apocadocs.com/s.pl?1264267124 Beetles killed 70,000 acres of spruce trees last year, mostly in southern Colorado's high-altitude forests. Meanwhile, the mysterious die-off of aspen trees appears to have stabilized, according to a yearly survey of forest health that the Forest Service released Friday. Forest scientists now believe the aspen die-off was caused by last decade's drought. Aspen decline peaked in 2008 and increased very little last year, according to the annual aerial survey of Colorado forests. The spruce beetle epidemic, however, is growing with no signs of abatement. "There's really nothing to stop it," said Susan Gray of the U.S. Forest Service. "The winter temperatures continue to be very mild compared to a decade ago." [Read more stories about: forests, massive die-off] New!: No reader quips yet -- be the first! Got a PaniQuip? Your Quip (limit 140 characters, no links, just wit): First name: The text shown in the Web image to the right: We reserve the right to reuse, remove, or refuse any entry.

'Doc Michael says: "Spruce things up" now means, apparently, "there's no hope." NEXT> More stories: Despite downpour, drought still with us Growing concerns: Advisory board broaches the issue of pot on public land (Spruce beetle outbreak keeps growing) Plastic Bags: Convenience Costing the Earth Lead Found in Women's Handbags Want to explore more? Try the PaniCloud!

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