DYING FORESTS, Kenai Peninsula.

A growing population of spruce bark beetles has killed nearly 4 million acres of mature white spruce forest. Scientists believe that because of higher temperatures, more beetle larvae are able to survive, and the insects can mature faster, completing a two-year life cycle in just one year. The trees, which previously lived in balance with the beetles, do not have enough natural defenses to withstand this assault.

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All photos © Gary Braasch