Washington Dept. of Natural Resources 2003 FH Highlights

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	Insects Fir Engraver Pine Bark Beetles Citrus Long-horned Beetle Western Spruce Budworm Douglas-fir Beetle Spruce Beetle Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Western Hemlock Looper Gypsy Moth Other Defoliators
Aerial Survey Overview Survey Results
Animal and Abiotic Drought Fire Bear Damage
Diseases Sudden Oak Death Swiss Needle Cast White Pine Blister Rust

Bear Damage

Black bears in western Washington will often feed on the inner bark of pole sized trees in the spring time before other food sources become available. A a single bear can damage and kill hundreds of young trees each season.

Aerial view of trees killed by bears

Trees killed by spring bear feeding as seen from the air

Another increase in bear damage was seen in western Washington. Areas that exhibit particularly heavy mortality include the Capitol State Forest south of Olympia, the Quinault Indian Reservation, and the forested areas around Morton and Lake Ozette.

Over 260,000 acres of bear damage were recorded in 2003, up from 112,000 acres in 2002.

We map these pole sized plantation trees as having been killed by black bear spring feeding activity, but since there have been several years of dry conditions, much of this damage could be caused by drought and/or root disease.

Additional Information

WADNR Forest Health Home

Washington Department of Natural Resources

PNW Region Forest Health Protection