December 9, 2014 - At the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors meeting of December 9, 2014 Cal Fire Mariposa Division Chief Rich Drozen comments on the Bark Beetle infestation in Mariposa County.
 
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 The following are excerpts from the discussion:
 
 We are at the start of what could be a very serious Bark Beetle Infestation.
 
 The beetle is killing the Pine trees, notably in Greeley Hill, Lushmeadows and Ponderosa Basin.
 
 The colors are not fall colors they are dead.
 
 The Oak trees are severely stressed due to the drought.
 
 The Grey Pine trees have been dying of for the last two to three years.
 
 Now is the time for the public to clear the brush and dead trees.
 
 Supervisor Janet Bibby noted the dying Oak trees in the Catheys Valley area.
 
 Supervisor John Carrier noted that earlier in the year the Forest Service estimated a 40% mortality on the trees in the Sierra.
 
 Mr. Drozen said the Bark Beetles will also attack healthy trees once they reach the current level they are at.
 
 Any brown on the tree is a sign of infestation and it will probably go.
 
 The 40% number may be low.
 
 Down trees can be covered.