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We examine consequences of climate-induced range expansion on community composition and diversity within trees attacked by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann). At the northernmost limit of the southern pine beetle range where populations have persisted for multiple years (currently Long Island, NY), we collected and reared bark samples and placed emergence traps on southern pine beetle-attacked pitch pine, Pinus rigida Mill. (Pinales: Pinaceae). From these samples, we quantified southern pine beetle gallery length and emergence as well as the diversity and abundance of all associated insects including known and suspected competitors, predators, and parasitoids. We compared our results to that of historic sampling data (1975–1997) in the core of southern pine beetle's range in the southern United States. Key community members were present in both the northern and southern regions; composition and relative abundances differed markedly. A key predator, the clerid beetle Thanasimus dubius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), was present in similar densities in both regions. Southern pine beetle infested a greater proportion of the length of the tree bole in the North. This increased tree utilization may be a consequence of a lack of resource competition by Ips De Geer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) engraver beetles, which we found only in very low abundance in the northern sites. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of southern pine beetle range expansion. Continued study of the southern pine beetle community and temporal southern pine beetle dynamics in the North will add to our current knowledge base and aid preservation of rare and ecologically valuable pine barrens of New England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is facilitating a novel range expansion of southern pine beetle (SPB) into globally rare north‐eastern pitch pine barrens.By assessing stand conditions present in SPB‐infested and uninfested pitch pine stands on Long Island, NY, USA, we developed a regionally‐calibrated hazard rating model that predicts stand‐level SPB susceptibility.The model indicates that a stand's SPB susceptibility increases with (1) increasing pitch pine basal area, (2) increasing instances of previous year SPB spots nearby, and (3) sandy soil texture.The model informs adaptation strategies to a novel pest dynamic by supporting the identification and prioritization of high hazard stands for prevention management.An alignment between treatments effective in reducing SPB vulnerability and conserving pine barrens communities indicates that pine barrens can be managed both to improve resilience to future threats and preserve historic ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was designed to explore the impact of landscape preference and environmental education on public attitudes toward wildfire hazard reduction strategies in the fire-prone pitch pine forests of the Northeastern United States. To understand these issues, a sample of 233 residents living in the wildland–urban interface of Long Island, New York and southeastern Massachusetts were surveyed with a photo-questionnaire containing scenes of different forest management strategies, as well as an educational section describing the environmental implications of forest management near their homes. The results of this study showed that knowledge about native ecosystems had a significant impact on local residents’ support for management strategies, such as prescribed fire to reduce wildfire danger and promote native plants. Photographs of pitch-pine and oak forests under different management regimes were used to elicit participants’ opinions about the forest management that they consider acceptable for nearby public land. Management that resulted in an open forest condition with low ground-cover received more support than either dense forests or widely cleared areas. An educational intervention section in this survey revealed significant increase in local residents’ support and acceptance for using prescribed fire on public land after reading about the technique and seeing scenes of different stages of forest regeneration. These study results are promising for forest planners and managers intent on reintroducing fire into the pitch-pine forest ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]