The pine beetle infestation may finally be tapering off . . .
Mountain pine beetle activity is declining in Montana, a U.S. Forest Service official says.
The finding is the result of aerial surveys last year and analyzed in the 2011 Montana Forest Insect and Disease Conditions report prepared by the Forest Service and state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
But the report also found emerging problems with western spruce budworm and pine butterfly.
The report covers about 20.5 million forested acres in Montana, including federal, state and private lands.