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New USDA Southeast Climate Hub Tool Forecasts Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak Risk

The USDA Southeast Climate Hub released the first forecast of southern pine beetle outbreak risk in the southeastern US using the new Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak Model, version1 (SPBOM).

The USDA Southeast Climate Hub just released the first forecast of southern pine beetle outbreak risk and severity in the southeastern US using the new Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak Model, version1 (SPBOM). SPBOM will be used each spring to provide outbreak forecasts for the coming growing season (i.e., spring, summer, and fall). Each October SPBOM will be rerun with the current years observed SPB population data to help inform management planning for the next years growing season. The map above shows the latest SPB forecast from the USDA Southeast Climate Hub. Region-wide, 2019 is predicted to be a less severe year for SPB outbreaks compared to 2018, but there are noted areas of intense beetle activity. For more information about SPBOM please visit Forecasting Short- and Long-term Southern Pine Beetle Risk in the Southeastern US.