24 October 2005

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Global Forest Science researchers examined the 90 percent mortality of pinyon pines in New Mexico and concluded that the drought of 2002 and 2003, in conjunction with massive pine engraving beetle infestations, were a result of warming mean temperatures over the past several years. "Although temperatures rose between only 1 and 2 degrees F. they were enough to push the pinyon pines over the edge", said founder of Global Forest Science Dr. Reese Halter. "These trees live in a semi-arid environment and they get by on the minimum amount moisture possible. When the moisture doesn't occur pinyons become highly susceptible to pine beetle attacks and their only defense mechanism - gooey pitch - dries up", said Dr Halter.

Tuscon and Banff-based Global Forest Science (www.globalforestscience.org) is a forest biology research institute. With an international multi-disciplinary team of 165 scientists, Global Forest Science is a world leader in forest science research and has often been likened to the Red Adair's of the forest biology world. Global Forest Sciences' many victories ranging from legislation to protect the threatened westslope cutthroat trout of British Columbia, protection of the world's largest ant colony, opening an international insect quarantine facility and helping to save New Zealand's multi billion dollar forestry and agriculture industries from the Australian painted apple moth. Global Forest Science is also dedicated to children's ecological education - visit GFAwesome.
(www.gfawesome.org)

For more information, please contact:
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Phone: 818.851.9682