Through forest health monitoring, including detection of invasive and emerging insects and diseases, the Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD) Forest Health Program protects Wyoming’s forested resources to best ensure they’re available for generations to come.
Utilizing state and federal funding, the program administers on-the-ground treatments to both rural and urban forested landscapes to:
The WSFD monitors Wyoming’s 10,824,885 acres of forested land via aircraft, remote sensing, and ground-based tactics.
In partnership with the USFS Aerial Survey Program, over 17,500,000 acres are surveyed each year, primarily by aircraft. These monitoring efforts provide accurate, real-time data, helping forest managers better allocate resources and respond to insect and disease outbreaks.
To see a summary of data from the previous year’s monitoring, see the Forest Health Highlights document in our Related Documents section.
Invasive and emerging insects and disease detection & education
Wyoming’s trees and forests are at constant risk for the introduction of non-native and potentially destructive insects and diseases.
Through intentional or unintentional human-facilitated movement, invasive organisms can be transported into Wyoming by way of firewood, nursery stock, or as hitchhikers on cars passing through.
Working together with other natural resource partners, the Forest Health Program provides early detection and rapid response to give local communities, private landowners, and state and federal forest managers the best chance to protect Wyoming’s forested resources.
Additionally, the program provides site-specific and statewide diagnosis, education, and management recommendations for insect and disease threats across Wyoming.
Through training and presentations at landowner field days, the Wyoming Tree Academy’s Plant Health Care Workshop, green industry events, and USFS Regional Trainings, WSFD subject matter experts increase public awareness and understanding of complex and dynamic ecological disturbances.
For technical assistance, please contact your nearest WSFD district office.