Forests are complex ecosystems consisting of many interconnected components. To help maintain their health, it is crucial to make informed decisions to support them. The resources here cover topics such as forest insects and diseases, conservation strategies at the landscape level, and introduced invasive species.
Forest Ecology
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- Old Growth Forests (PDF): Overview of old-growth forests and their ecological value
- What Are Mycorrhizal Fungi and What Role Do They Have in the Forest? (PDF): Introduction to mycorrhizal fungi and their role in forest ecosystems
- Mycorrhizal Fungi in Northeastern Forest Ecosystems (PDF): Mycorrhizal ecology, forest interactions, and stewardship options
Status and Condition of Vermont’s Forest
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- Vermont Forest Cover Assessment (PDF): Analysis of historical and current forest cover across Vermont and its counties.
- Vermont Forest Indicators Dashboard: Forest structure, condition, ecosystem services, and stressor indicators tracked over time.
Get Help with Forest Health Issues
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General Forest Health
- What’s Wrong with My Tree?: Request diagnostic support for tree health concerns
- Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation Current and Past Forest Health Issues: Current and past statewide forest health updates
- Vermont Invasives: Information on invasive plants and pests, management actions, and reporting tools
- Help Prevent the Spread of Forest Pests! Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of forest pests and diseases
Forest Insects and Diseases Resources
Hemlock Diseases
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- Eastern Hemlock Conservation in Vermont (PDF): Comprehensive guide to hemlock pests and stewardship strategies
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale in Vermont (YouTube): Identification and impacts in Vermont
Emerald Ash Borer
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- 10 Recommendations to Help You Manage Ash in Your Woods In the Face of Emerald Ash Borer and Climate Change (PDF): Guidance for landowners facing emerald ash borer and climate change
- Ten Recommendations for Managing Ash in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer and Climate Change (PDF): Management guidance for foresters
- Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont Current Status and State Response (YouTube): Overview of impacts and management efforts
- Black Ash: Research and Cultural Practices in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer (YouTube): Ecological and cultural perspectives on black ash
Spongy Moth
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- Look Out for Lymantria dispar dispar coming to a Tree Near YOU! (PDF): Overview of spongy moth impacts and management options
- Virtual Forest Health Meeting Vermont Forest Health Update and Spongy Moth Impacts in Massachusetts (YouTube): Regional updates on spongy moth outbreaks
American Beech Diseases
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- Tracking a New Forest Pathogen Killing Beech Trees: Beech leaf disease distribution, impacts, and guidance
- Beech Leaf Disease and Forest Health (YouTube): Overview of disease impacts and forest responses
Earthworms and Jumping Worms
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- Invasion of the Jumping Worms: Impacts of invasive earthworms and stewardship recommendations
- Jumping worm (YouTube): Identification and impacts of jumping worms
- Invasive Earthworms and their Effect on Forest Soils and Vegetation (YouTube): Effects on forest soils and vegetation
Other Insects and Diseases
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- Maple Problems (PDF): Common maple diseases and pests with photos.
- Oak Diseases of Concern in the Eastern US, Spotted Lanternfly (YouTube): Emerging threats to eastern forests
Saving Hemlock Trees from Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
Hemlock trees across Vermont are threatened by hemlock woolly adelgid. This insect poses a risk to forest health. Watch this episode of Across the Fence with Dr. Ali Kosiba to learn how Vermont is responding and how you can help.