The University of Arizona

Tom DeGomez

Associate Extension Specialist
Area of Expertise: 
Forest ecology and management
Academic Degree(s)
BS 1981, Utah State University, Logan, UT, BS 1981, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
MS 1984, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
PhD 2002, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Contact Information
degomez@ag.arizona.edu
1 928-523-8385
NAU P.O. BOX 15018
SWFSC 211
Flagstaff, AZ 86011 US

Curriculum Vitae: 
application/pdf icon
DeGomez CV.pdf

Research: Conduct applied research that will enhance the understanding of forest health protection, and forest ecology as it relates to forest insects, diseases, and invasive plants. Recent publications include:

  • Williams, K.K., J.D. McMillin, T.E. DeGomez, K.M. Clancy, and A. Miller. Relative and Seasonal Abundance of Three Bark Beetle Predators (Coleoptera: Trogositidae, Cleridae) Across an Elevation Gradient in Ponderosa Pine Forests of Arizona. Ag. & For. Ent. Submitted.
  • DeGomez, T.E., C.J. Hayes, J.A. Anhold, J.D. McMillin, and M.R. Wagner. Using verbenone and non-host volatiles to prevent Ips bark beetle colonization of ponderosa pine slash, 2005-2006. Arthropod Management Tests. In review.
  • Hayes, C.J., T.E. DeGomez, K.M. Clancy, and J.D. McMillin. Evaluation of Funnel Traps for Characterizing the Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) Communities in Ponderosa Pine Forests of Northern Arizona. J. Econ. Ent. In Press.
  • Hayes, C.J., T.E. DeGomez, J.D. McMillin, J.A. Anhold, and R. Hofstetter. Factors Influencing Pine Engraver (Ips pini Say) Colonization of Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws.) Slash in Northern Arizona. For. Eco. & Mgt. In Press.
  • Allender, C.J., K.M. Clancy, T.E. DeGomez, J.D. McMillin, S.A. Woolbright, P. Keim, and D.M. Wagner. Lack of Genetic Differentiation in Aggressive Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from Arizona. J. Envir. Ent. In Press.
  • Gaylord, M.L., K. K. Williams, R. W. Hofstetter, J. D. McMillin, T. E. DeGomez, and M. R. Wagner. Influence of temperature on spring flight initiation for Southwestern ponderosa pine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). J. Envir. Ent. 37:57-69.
  • Williams, K.K., J.D. McMillin, T.E. DeGomez, K.M. Clancy, and A. Miller. Influence of Elevation on Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) Community Structure and Flight Periodicity in Ponderosa Pine Forests of Arizona. J. Envir. Ent. 37:94-109.
    • DeGomez, T.E., C.J. Hayes, J.A. Anhold, J.D. McMillin, and K.M. Clancy. 2007. Evaluation of Insecticides for Protecting Arizona Cypress and One-seed Juniper from Attack by Phloeosinus Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Curclionidae, Scolytinae). J. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry 33(3):162-167.
    • Fettig, C., T. DeGomez, K. Gibson, C. Dabney and R Borys. 2006. Effectiveness of permethrin plus-C and carbaryl for protecting individual, high-value pines from bark beetle attack. J. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry 32:247-252.
    • DeGomez, T.E., C.J. Hayes, J.A. Anhold, J.D. McMillin, K.M. Clancy, and P.P. Bosu. 2006. Evaluation of insecticides for protecting southwestern ponderosa pines from attack by engraver beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). J. Econ. Ent. 99:393-400.

    Extension/Outreach:

    a. Conduct surveys of state and private forest lands utilizing aerial and ground methods as set forth by and in conjunction with the US Forest Service. Results of these surveys (Forest Insect & Disease Conditions in the Southwestern Region) can be accessed at the USFS Region 3 publications website - Forest Insect & Disease Conditions in the Southwestern Region - http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/publications/index.shtml

    b. Develop and maintain educational outreach tools. The Arizona Forest Health Website can be accessed at http://ag.arizona.edu/extension.fh The following extension factsheets have been produced and they can be accessed at http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/fh/pubs.html

    • Rogstad, A., T. DeGomez, C. Hayes, J. Schalau and J. Kelly. 2007. Mulch Materials for a Firewise Landscape. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin. AZ1440. Tucson, Arizona.
    • Rogstad, A., T. DeGomez and C. Seig. 2007. Invasive Plant Species in Arizona's Forests and Woodlands: Climate Change and Variability in the Southwest Ecosystem Series. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin. AZ1436. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T., and M. Lenart. 2006. Management of Forests and Woodlands: Climate Change and Variability in the Southwest Ecosystem Series. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1418. Tucson, Arizona.
    • Rogstad, A.,. 2006. Climate Change and Wildfire Impacts in Southwest Forests and Woodlands: Climate Change and Variability in the Southwest Ecosystem Series. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin. AZ1425. Tucson, Arizona.
    • Lenart, M., C. Jones, and B. Kimball. 2006. Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels and Forest Management: Climate Change and Variability in the Southwest Ecosystem Series. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1395. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T., and G. Garfin. 2006. Insects, Diseases and Abiotic Disorders in Southwest Forests and Woodlands: Climate Change and Variability in the Southwest Ecosystem Series. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1424. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T. 2006. Guidelines for Thinning Ponderosa Pine for Improved Forest Health and Fire Prevention. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1397. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T. and B. Celaya. 2006. Piñon Bark Beetles. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1394. Tucson, Arizona
    • DeGomez, T. 2006. Preventing Bark Beetle Attacks on Conifers with Insecticides. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1380. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T., and B. Loomis. 2005. Firewood and Bark Beetles in the Southwest. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1370. Tucson, Arizona.
    • Schalau, J., and D. Young. 2003. Pinyon Needle Scale. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1315. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T., and J. Schalau. 2002. FIREWISE Plant Materials for 3,000 ft. and Higher Elevations. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1289. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T., and D. Young. 2002. Pine Bark Beetles. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1300. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T. 2002. American Hornet Moth in the Urban Forests of Northern Arizona above 6000 Foot Elevations. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin, AZ1284. Tucson, Arizona.
    • DeGomez, T. 2001. Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid in Northern Arizona above 6000' Elevations. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bulletin AZ 1247. Tucson, AZ.
    • DeGomez, T. 2001. Tent Caterpillars in Northern Arizona above 6000' Elevations. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Bulletin AZ 1249. Tucson.
    • DeGomez, T. 2001. Oystershell Scale in Northern Arizona above 6000' Elevations. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Bulletin AZ 1248. Tucson.

    c. The Rural Communities Fuels Management Partnership is run by Art Matthias, Program Coordinator, Senior. This program assists private landowners with educational information on how to improve private forest lands for increased forest health. We offer financial and management assistance to those who which to participate in the partnerships cost-share programs to reduce forest density. To contact the partnership to learn more about participating in the program email Art Matthias at amatthia@ag.arizona.edu

    d. The Arizona Forest Health Program offers private and non-federal municipal land managers educational assistance with managing their forest lands. The follow site offers answers to frequently asked questions about bark beetles. http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/fh/bb_faq.html to ask questions on other forest health related subjects email the Arizona Forest Health Program at azfh@cals.arizona.edu.