Pacific Northwest Forest Bio-Surveillance Training Available

By Joey Hulbert, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center, hulbe@wsu.edu

Ports are a frequent entry point for invasive insects and diseases, which can cause significant harm to native ecologies. (Photo by Joey Hulbert, Washington State University)

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility. Invasive forest pests and pathogens are not constrained by borders, and the actions we take on our side of the fence may be futile if our neighbors are indifferent. Only together can we protect our forests.

The Forest Health Watch is a program to train and engage communities in forest health surveillance and research. Starting on June 21, 2021, the program will host hourlong virtual presentations every month to train participants to recognize and respond to emerging forest health concerns. Find out more and register at foresthealth.org/events.

Now more than ever, our forests are threatened by the unprecedented rates of climate change and the movement of potential pests via global trade.

Trees are likely to become more stressed and vulnerable to previously benign pests as the environment changes. In addition, with the proximity to major ports in the Northwest and the ability to order plants online, the potential for new pest or pathogen arrivals is a pressing and major concern. We all need to watch for and report new tree health concerns.

Our forests need you to recognize and respond to emerging tree health issues. Attending the biosurveillance training can help you to recognize the signs and symptoms of unhealthy trees, acquire resources for identifying common diseases and insect pests, hear up-to-date concerns, and receive instructions for reporting concerns. Keeping our forests healthy requires a collective effort. Find more information at foresthealth.org.