The San Juan National Forest will host a workshop and field day, educating landowners about bark beetles and other harmful insects and how to identify them.

This two-day event will include presentations by entomologist Matt Ethington and pathologist Brad Lalande with the U.S. National Forest Service on July 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a field tour on July 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a news release.

“Native forest insects, including several bark beetle varieties, have impacted thousands of acres in southwest Colorado over the past two decades, and research shows that their infestations are expanding,” the release said.

The presenters will focus on the biology of bark beetles, the identification of harmful insects, and management options. The roundheaded pine beetle is especially of concern, as it is “responsible for a fast-growing outbreak in Dolores County.”

Lalande will open the presentations at 8 a.m. at the Dolores Public Lands Office on July 12 with an introduction to what forest health protection is. Presentations by both Lalande and Ethington will include topics like forest diseases and insects, bark beetles, defoliators, woodborers, and more. Any questions attendees have will be answered before the session is over at 2 p.m.

The field tour will begin at 9 a.m. on July 13. Attendees will explore the northwest region of the San Juan National Forest from the Glade area to Boggy Draw trailhead, the release said. Those participating are told to bring lunch, water, and field-appropriate attire. Rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also encouraged. The field tour will wrap up around 3 p.m.

The Dolores Public Lands Office is at 29211 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores. For more information, contact the Dolores Ranger District at (970) 882-7296. The public can learn more about the San Juan National Forest by calling (970) 247-4874 or by visiting their website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/.