http://comicskingdom.com/mark-trail/2015-04-06
I don't think there is much Mark can do against an enemy as invasive species. But, we'll see soon. The DOA just showed up today to "investigate the strange beetles Mark found on trees in Wallace Wood's tree farm."
And, I might be dim, but considering the simple Faustmann model (below) couldn't Wally Wood cut down the trees today and receive almost as much revenue (i.e., stumpage value, V) relative to waiting one more year? It isn't the optimal time to cut down the trees (t*) but it still generates stumpage value, right?
Alternatively: (a) is Wally an all-or-nothing guy who thinks those who finish second are losers? and/or (b) do some types of beetle infestation make the trees unsuitable for sale?
And if Wally is the big shot forester why did it take a visit from an outdoors journalist to find the beetle infestation?
