Malheur National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions - Forest Health

1. How do insects and disease affect the health of the forest? As the forest ages, it becomes more susceptible to attack from insects and disease. Many diseases and insects are always present in the forest but when condition are right, there can be a wide spread outbreak and can kill thousands of trees. These outbreaks mar the visual landscape, reduce wildlife habitat, and result in lost revenue from forest products such as timber.
2. How much risk is there that insects and disease will destroy the forest? It is impossible to predict when or to what degree a major outbreak of insects and disease will occur. Many factors contribute to the level of risk. Climatic conditions, elevation, forest age and tree size are all factors. Prolonged drought can also weaken trees resistance to insect and disease attacks. Because of these variables, outbreaks generally occur in cycles. Because insects and diseases are an ever present and key component of a properly functioning forest, the Forest Service doesn't try to eliminate them. The Forest Service does use harvesting, and fire regularly as preventative tools to maintain the forest in a healthy and insect disease resistant condition.
3. What is a Sensitive Species? A sensitive species is a plant, bird, mammal, reptile/amphibian, fish or invertebrate (beetle, snails etc.) designated by the Regional Forester whose population viability is a concern on national forests within that region; whose current population and or habitats have been reduced/restricted; those with populations and or habitats considered vulnerable to certain management activities; or those requiring a special emphasis to ensure that they do not move towards listing as threatened or endangered.
4. Where can I find information on the trees of the forest? Your local library may have books on the native trees in the area. You might look for a Western Forest and Deserts by Audubon, Trees to Know in Oregon, Common Plants of the Pacific Northwest. Just to name a few.
5. I have a problem or question about a tree on my property. Can someone help me? For help with a problem on private lands you need to contact Oregon State Department of Forestry in John Day, 541-575-1139.
6. How do I get rid of nuisance critters? To get rid of pesky deer, squirrel, skunks, raccoons, and others you need to contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 305 N. Canyon Blvd., Canyon City, OR 97820, 541-575-1167 or Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 237 Hines Blvd., Hines, OR 97738, 541-573-6582 for information on removal.