Our forests face many challenges

Nature always bats last

Forests and their inhabitants face many threats, including natural catastrophic events such as severe wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks.  Although such events are natural, and an important aspect of the forest ecosystem, they are often influenced by excessive buildup of fuels and changes in tree species and age, all of which can be the result of human action or inaction.

Forests and their inhabitants face many threats, including natural catastrophic events such as severe wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks.  Although such events are natural, and an important aspect of the forest ecosystem, they are often influenced by excessive buildup of fuels and changes in tree species and age, all of which can be the result of human action or inaction.

A healthy, growing forest is less susceptible to insects, disease and devastating fire. Active forest management helps our forests stay resilient.

In this section, explore the major threats to Idaho’s forest health including fire, insects and disease, invasive species, weather, climate change, and people.

FOREST FACT: Bark beetles, Douglas-fir tussock moth, Western spruce budworm, Gypsy moth are key insect threats in Idaho forests.

FOREST FACT:  Root and foliar disease, White pine blister rust and Dwarf mistletoes are the key disease threats in Idaho forests.

FOREST FACT: In 2018, the wildland fire season in Idaho costs the state $20 million.

FOREST FACT:  in 2018, 202 wildfires in Idaho were caused by humans, while just 56 were caused by lightning.

In this section, learn about threats to our forests including fire; insects and disease; invasive species; people; climate change and weather; and importantly, what can be done to minimize threats.  Also, learn more about forest threats with additional materials and links.