PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington has declared a forest health hazard warning in portions of Okanogan, Ferry, Klickitat and Yakima counties because of two tree-damaging insects. Owners of small forest acreage will learn about the western spruce budworm and pine bark beetle at workshops sponsored by Washington State University Extension and the state Department of Natural Resources.
Workshops will be 6-8 p.m. April 30 at the Clark County Extension office in Vancouver and May 22 at the Snohomish County Extension office in Everett. The cost is $15 per family. For details and registration, go to http://bit.ly/wsuforesthealth.
The workshops will help landowners:
- Identify western spruce budworm and pine beetle damage
- Evaluate a forest to determine if it is at high risk for severe damage from forest insects
- Understand actions for protecting forest health
- Work with forestry professionals who can provide financial and technical assistance to improve forest health
Family forests represent the largest rural land-use in Washington, providing clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, timber and non-timber products and jobs in local and state economies. The workshop is designed to help landowners protect the health and beauty of their forests and financial investments.
For more information, contact Chuck Hersey of the state Department of Natural Resources at chuck.hersey@dnr.wa.gov or 360-902-1045.