Forest Health

Virginia's forests contribute $30.5 billion annually to the commonwealth's economy while enhancing the health and well being of its citizens. Every phase of forest development involves forest health, including the proper establishment of appropriate, healthy trees on productive sites; cultural practices that favor vigorous growth of the best trees; reduction of losses to pest organisms; and well planned, careful harvesting that protects standing trees from injury and maintains the integrity of riparian areas. Learn more about the Forest Health Program.

Insects

Emerald Ash Borer

• Emerald Ash Borer - Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan.

Gypsy Moth

• Gypsy Moth - Defoliation due to the gypsy moth in the United States regularly approaches two million acres annually.
• Gypsy Moth Defoliation in Virginia:
  • 2003
  • 2002
  • 2001
  • Statewide Data: Defoliation by County

Southern Pine Beetle

• Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Cost-share Program
• Protect Your Pine Forest - Bark Beetle Cost-share Options for Landowners. (English; PDF format)
• Southern Pine Beetle
• Southern Pine Beetle Internet Control Center (SPBICC).

Insect Identifcation

• Insect Identification - resources available from Virginia Tech

Insect Information Sources

• Control Of Low-Level Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Populations: A Cost-Benefit Analysis (English; PDF format)
• The Bugwood Network offers links to many insect information sources by state and federal agencies.

Diseases

• Tree Disease and Insect Guide for Conifers
• Tree Disease and Insect Guide for Hardwoods
• Frequently Asked Questions: Tree Wound
• The Bugwood Network offers links to many tree disease information sources by state and federal agencies.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native to Virginia that spread quickly and are expensive and difficult to get rid of.

• Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia
• Invasive Species (English, MS PowerPoint Presentation, 1.95MB)
• Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas - Fact Sheets
• The Bugwood Network offers links to many invasive species information sources by state and federal agencies.

Climate Change

• Virginia Forests and Climate Change
- The world’s forests, including the forests of Virginia, play a large, positive role in the climate change issue.

Alternative and Renewable Energy

• Virginia's Energy Plan - a ten-year comprehensive Energy Plan geared to implement the Commonwealth's energy policy.
• Alternative Energy Resources in Virginia
• Virginia Wind Resource Map

Information Guides

• Tree and Forest Health Guide
• Mast Production - see the statistics on mast production for 2006. (English; PDF format)

Forest Health Publications

• View our list of publications on Forest Health.

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Publications
• Presentations
• Links to Partner agencies, organizations and state forestry agencies.

Last modified 2008-01-08