Dead trees in the Rogue Valley

Ashland, Ore., — Look into the hills surrounding your home.

Chances are, you’ll notice plenty of dead trees.

Experts say thousands of trees are suffering from the compound effects of several drought seasons, which left them susceptible to insects.

“The individual trees are under stress, and the beetles can detect that stress, and just hone right in and start laying their eggs in those trees that are most stressed.” said Darren Borgias with The Nature Conservancy

But here’s the good news, it’s actually helpful.

Not just for wildlife, but for wildfire as well.

The dead trees become homes and food for wildlife.

And they also help naturally thin out the trees, which can prevent fires from spreading quicker through the forest.

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