AboutLou Jurs Expertise I can respond to questions regarding ecological relationships, wildlife and fisheries management, plant communities and animal plant relationships in habitats common to western North America, including Alaska.
Experience Many years of field experience with public land management agencies in western states (Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, California). I have expertise in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, fisheries, plant ecology,
forestry, watershed management, and other natural sciences. Target areas especially in great Basin, N. Rocky Mtns., coastal forests, intermountain region, southwest deserts (but not limited to these locations).
Education/Credentials BS Zoology University of Nevada; MS Arid Lands Ecology, Univ. of Nevada.
Expert: Lou Jurs Date: 2/22/2008 Subject: pine trees
Question What is the foam that appears on the bark of a Ponderosa Pine during a period
of rainfall?
Answer Unless I miss my guess...what you are seeing is the foam produced by the "spittlebug" or "froghopper"...an insect which may attack pines and other conifers. They seem to get more abundant during wetter periods, but they usually do not cause long-term harm unless the tree is unhealthy and in poor condition already.
Deep inside the foam, you should be able to find the small critter and take a look. Good Luck.
