Our nation’s forests are under stress from forest insects and pathogens—both native and introduced—as well as invasive plants, all of which pose a serious threat to forest health and resilience. The impacts of these threats can erode our forests and cause ecosystem damage from our mountains and streamsides to our cities and towns. At risk are the benefits and services that forests provide—clean water and air, recreation, timber, human health, jobs and economic growth, habitat for all species and more.

In 2023, the Forest Service and our partners continued monitoring and responding to the impact insects, pathogens and invasive species have in our national forests and grasslands. These forest health threats are compounded by other issues, mainly the result of climate change—changing fire regimes, drought, flash floods, among others. Read on to learn how innovation and adaptability are helping protect and improve the health of America’s forests.  

While these complex disturbances seem like an insurmountable challenge for our forested landscapes, there is more to the Forest Health Protection story than just tree mortality. For instance, the State of Wisconsin has experienced multiple impacts on their forests—it broke a state record for acres with spongy moth defoliation and experienced an expansion of oak wilt, a tree disease. Both spongy moth and oak wilt are a problem for several species of trees, especially oaks. However, challenge begets innovation, and there is promise for oaks. Wisconsin expanded both spongy moth suppression and the use of an innovative treatment method for oak wilt, first used by Menominee Tribal Enterprises, to successfully slow the spread of oak wilt disease underground.

Adaptability is critical to mitigating future forest threats and the Forest Service remains flexible and adaptable to changing technologies and techniques for survey, detection and treatment. Information and sound data are equally important. Documenting and reporting the range and degree of impact of these pests is the first step in a successful response. This valuable information assists our dedicated Forest Health Protection staff and partners in the provision of technical and financial assistance to landowners and land managers for forest health issues.

The Major Forest Insect and Disease Conditions report is an effort to highlight the collective findings of Forest Health Protection and our partners for all who share our passion for protecting and improving the health of America’s forests, including forestry professionals, elected officials, private landowners and concerned Americans. Thank you all for your continued partnership in protecting and improving the health of America’s forests for future generations.

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