Washington Department of Natural Resources posted by:
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Northwest Region

Forest Health Protection



Washington Forest Health Issues in 2003

Washington Forests
General Forest Conditions
Aerial Survey
Overview
Survey Results

Animal and Abiotic
Drought

Fire
Bear Damage

Other Defoliators

A new defoliation event was detected in Idaho, which also spilled into Washington in Pend Oreille county. It appears that this is mainly caused from western blackheaded budworm with western spruce budworm mixed in.

Additional Information


Almost 25,500 acres of Western tent caterpillar defoliation were mapped around the Puget Sound lowlands and the San Juan Islands this year. More activity was seen this year than in recent years. Several years of droughty conditions have likely contributed to this situation. Although the outbreak declined on Whidbey Island, it continued on Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula.

Many suburban areas that were the most heavily defoliated were not flown due to various flight restrictions in central Puget Sound.

Additional Information


Tent caterpillar nest

 


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