The Forest Health staff of the Southwestern Region provides assistance and expertise to Federal, State, and Tribal land managers in Arizona and New Mexico concerning forest health conditions and issues. We provide advice and support for projects to help prevent or suppress insect and disease outbreaks. Annually, we conduct survey flights to monitor forest health conditions and provide land managers with information on current issues, with an emphasis on detecting insect activity. Information on current activity and our program is provided through the links below.

 

Current Highlights

• 2023 Conditions Report

  Our 2023 Conditions Report is now available, with forest insect and disease highlights from across the Southwestern Region.

  Conditions Report

• 2024 Damage Map

  The 2024 Forest Health Damage Map shares draft map data as forest health surveys are completed.

  2024 Damage Map

• Aspen Management

  See new information on aspen health and management concerns in the following Western Aspen Alliance brief on invasive oystershell scale. For more information on oystershell scale see the recent State Forest Health Alert or our recent publication.

  Recent Publication

• Publications

  Browse a list of forest insect and disease condition reports, entomology and pathology publications and posters.

  Publications

• Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Outbreaks in New Mexico

  

  The native Douglas-fir tussock moth has been active the past couple of years defoliating trees in some forested around New Mexico. In 2024 activity by this insect increased and outbreaks are affecting specific areas on the Carson, Cibola, and Santa Fe National Forests.

  Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet

  Carson NF webpage on outbreak near Taos

  Cibola NF webpage on outbreak on Sandia Mountains

 

Field Guides

• Field Guide to Insects and Diseases

  

  Learn about flora and fauna in the Southwest. A description for each insect and disease includes hosts, damage, symptoms, biology, and effects or impacts.

  Online Guide PDF Guide

• Weed Field Guides

  

  New series of 33 field guides. 40+ species covered. Includes management guidelines.

  Go to Guides