Forest Health

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Forest Health

Although North Dakota is primarily a prairie state, native forests, rural plantings, and community trees are an extremely valuable resource due to their limited size and distribution. These resources provide a multitude of benefits to the people of the state including; watershed protection, recreation, wildlife habitat, wind protection and beautification.

Management of North Dakota forest resources is hindered by the state's harsh climate. Trees weakened by drought, flood, frost, or fire can become susceptible to insects and diseases. The resulting tree mortality may conflict with landowner or manager objectives. Invasive (Non-native) insect and pathogens are of special concern. These pests pose serious threats to the cultural and ecological benefits of forest resources within the state. Consequently, detection and monitoring of pest and pathogens is required to properly assess and reduce forest decline.

The primary emphasis for the Forest Health Management program is the statewide monitoring and management of forest insect and disease conditions with special emphasis on invasive species. The forest health specialist located in N D S U 's Department of Plant Pathology, works with pathologists, entomologist, natural resource professionals, and the N D S U Plant Diagnostic Lab to identify and manage forest health issues throughout the state. Program activities include; statewide Gypsy Moth detection trapping, diagnosis of tree problems on private and public lands, and training in identification of insect and disease pests. The North Dakota Forest Health Management program also collaborates with the U S D A Forest Service to implement the Forest Inventory and Analysis program (F I A) in North Dakota. F I A is a federally based forest census designed to report on the status and trends in forest resources throughout the United States.

For more forest health information, please refer to the following web sites:

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  •  Forest Insect and Disease Information  •  National Forest Health Protection  •  National Forest Inventory and Analysis  •  N D S U Plant Diagnostics Lab