State and Private Forestry - Pacific Southwest Region

During 2004, quarterly aerial surveys were initiated to monitor continued mortality and help prioritize where treatments were needed most.  2004 survey results documented the culmination of mortality which appears to have occurred during 2003.  Adding to the various impacts of tree mortality was the occurrence of several large fires in 2003, and to a lesser degree, during 2004.  The Old, Grand Prix and Cedar fires burned into mortality areas causing massive evacuations and loss of hundreds of structures.  The combination of fire and tree mortality has impacted millions of acres in Southern California.

The event caused widespread mortality from the southern Sequoia National Forest south through the Angeles, an Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests.  Dead trees presented imminent treats to public safety, critical infrastructures, residences and has had long term environmental ramifications.  Data gathered from aerial surveys was critical to evaluating intensity and extent of forest damage not only on National Forests but other federal, state and private ownerships within and adjacent to National Forests.  Multi-agency cooperation followed to initiate treatment to mitigate impacts of the die-off. 

USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry provided funding to Counties and other entities to facilitate restoration and fuel treatments which continue today.  These large scale treatments are necessary for forest restoration, fuels reduction, community protection, wildlife habitat recovery, watershed improvement and other resource values and will continue for 10-20 years.

Southern California quarterly surveys are complete and annual surveys continue for Southern California as well as other National Forests, National Parks, State and private lands in California.  State and Private Forestry is carefully monitoring similar forest conditions at risk elsewhere in California, advocating and providing support for silvicultural and fuel treatments to reduce risk.