Spatial variability in tree regeneration after wildfire delays and dampens future bark beetle outbreaks

Significance Wildfires have increased in western North America, creating extensive areas of regenerating forests. There is concern that recent large, stand-replacing fires will synchronize forest development and commit landscapes to a future of increased disturbance, such as bark beetle outbreaks that require extensive, well-connected forests of large host trees. We analyzed forest development after large high-severity 1988 fires in Yellowstone...