Current Forest Health Threats

The current issues in forest health of the greatest concern to the DCR’s Forest Health Program include both introduced and native insects and diseases. Some pests are of statewide concern while others are present in specific geographic areas

Current Threats to Massachusetts Forests

AgentPictureOriginHost TreesPresentDCR-Management Approach
Beech Leaf Disease
Symptomatic leaves of Beech Leaf Disease
Introduced 2012 in USA, 2020 in MassachusettsAmerican Beech, European Beech, and Oriental BeechStatewideThe DCR Forest Health Program is surveying beech trees across the state to determine the extent of the disease in Massachusetts

Spongy Moth

Lymantria dispar

Gypsy Moth

Introduced

1869

Oaks, other deciduous species

Statewide

Current management approach relies on natural population controls – naturally abundant virus and fungus populations regulate spongy moth population cycles

Winter Moth

Operophtera brumata

Winter Moth

Introduced

2002

Maples, oaks, other deciduous speciesEastern Mass

Biocontrol species, Cyzenis albicans, has been released and successfully established in an effort to manage winter moth populations.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Adelges tsugae

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Introduced

1989

Eastern hemlockStatewide

Three biocontrol species, Psedudoscymnus tsugae, Laricobius nigrinus, and Leucotaraxis spp (silverfly), have been released in MA to limit establishment success.

Southern Pine Beetle

Dendroctonus frontalis

Southern Pine Beetle
NativePitch pineStatewide

Population densities are being monitored through annual trapping. The impacts of climate change could significantly alter southern pine beetle generation periods and devastate pitch pine stands.

Emerald Ash Borer

Agrilus planipennis

Emerald Ash Borer

Introduced

2012

All ash speciesStatewide

Three biocontrol species, Tetrastichus planipennisi, Spathius galinae, and Oobius agrili, have successfully been released in MA. Continued releases are planned.

Black Oak Gall Wasp

Zapatella davisae

Black Oak Gall Wasp
NativeBlack oakCape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard

There is ongoing research to map and monitor the extent of damage caused by the black oak gall wasp.

White Pine Needlecast
White Pine Needlecast
NativeEastern white pinesStatewideWhite pine defoliation is being monitored across the state. Needlecast has been identified to be caused by multiple fungal pathogens; the most prevalent agent in Massachusetts is Lecanosticta acicola.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Anoplophora glabripennis

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Introduced

1996

12 Host genusWorcester, Boylston, West Boylston, Shrewsbury, Holden, AuburnThe eradication program established quarantines to avoid transporting infested wood outside the area.  Survey every host tree in quarantine areas for ALB signs.  Remove infested trees and destroy them by chipping. DCR works in cooperation with USDA PPQ APHIS.

Contact

Address

DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
184 West Boylston St, West Boylston, MA 01583

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