Native or endemic insects and diseases thin out unhealthy trees and maintain appropriate forest density. However, shifts to this careful balance—be they introduced species, changing weather, fire, and drought patterns, or other factors—can result in levels of mortality exceeding the norm. Under these conditions, forests and grasslands may be unable to keep up the pace needed to regenerate and convert to other, less productive types of landscape. Scientists are helping managers track and respond to new or worsening pests and diseases and identify future-oriented ways to control or eradicate them.
Presenters:
Kevin M. Potter, PhD, Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
Therese M. Poland, PhD, Project Leader/Research Entomologist, USDA Forest Service
Christopher J. Fettig, PhD, Research Entomologist, USDA Forest Service
Sky Stevens, National Entomologist, Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Society of American Foresters (SAF) continuing education credits are available for each individual day.
This event is part of a series:
Forest Mortality Trends Webinar Series
America's forests are stressed out. Where, why, and how we can help.
This webinar series from the USDA Forest Service is intended for all land managers and will focus on critical topics related to forest mortality trends. These presentations will provide big picture and synthetic looks at the current state of knowledge and management considerations. Each day is comprised of multiple presentations from expert practitioners and researchers. Sessions will be 90-minutes in length and recorded. See the Forest Mortality Trends homepage for more info.
Society of American Foresters continuing education credits are available.
Event Details
Nov 17 2026, 11am - 12:30pm Mountain Time