Managing for forest health focuses on reducing the risk associated with biotic pests (insects and disease) and abiotic issues (wildfire, drought, more). Sound forest management can help you achieve a healthy, sustainable forest.

Invasive Pest Range Maps

Forest pest range maps help forest resource managers understand threats to their forests and make better management decisions. The following maps are georeferenced and can be opened in compatible apps (e.g., Avenza Maps).

• Emerald ash borer
• Laurel wilt disease
• Firewood pests (invasive pests spread via firewood)
• Cogongrass (map by NCDA&CS)

NC State Extension Videos

• Identifying Emerald Ash Borer

Publications

These publications provide information that can help you in managing a healthy forest. Some of the publications are in pdf format and are available free for downloading. A free pdf reader can be downloaded from Adobe.

• Fact Sheet: Spotted lanternfly
• Fact Sheet: Asian longhorned beetle
• Fact Sheet: Emerald ash borer
• Firewood as a vector in invasive pest dispersal
• Woodland Owner Notes: Thinning Pine Stands
• Healthy Forests: Invasive Plants and Your Forests (AG-771)
• Healthy Forests: Managing for Resilience (AG-772)
• Promoting a Healthy Forest on Your Land (SREF-FH-001)

Extension Programs

• Poolside Pests is a program that aims to increase public awareness and citizen reporting of invasive species. When new pests are detected quickly, eradication efforts are more successful and our forests stay healthier.