Colorado continues to be hit hard by the bark beetle.
While much of New Mexico is beginning to recover from the infestation, a recent forest health survey shows bark beetle outbreaks continue to expand in Colorado.
Forest officials estimate 178,000 acres of Engelmann Spruce were affected just last year.
The biggest areas affected are around Rocky Mountain National Park and portions of the San Juans.
Officials say since 2000, forty-percent of spruce forests have been affected.
The beetles hit hardest during hot, dry years.
