Mountain pine beetle populations increased to epidemic levels on the Kootenai National Forest in 1972. Nearly 397,000 trees containing almost 32 million board feet have been killed. More than 84,000 trees will probably be killed in 1978. Infestation has the potential to intensify in high hazard stands, and some increase may occur in stands of low and moderate hazard. Potential losses can be reduced through an accelerated program of (1) sanitation salvage cutting and (2) silvicultural management. High-hazard stands should receive first priority.