Southern Pine Beetle South-wide Trend Predictions for 2012 [PDF, 20 KB]

In the South, southern pine beetle (SPB) activity remained at a very low level in 2011. Only 63 SPB infestations were reported in 13 southern states, compared to 71 infestations in 2010. Based on pheromone traps deployed during the spring of 2012, continued low levels of SPB are expected this year throughout the South, with some increased activity possible in portions of Virginia and Florida. This prediction has already been confirmed by recent aerial and ground surveys. For further information on all of the regional results please visit the following link to the Texas Forest Service site (PDF document at bottom of page):

>> Texas Forest Service, Pest Management

>> Direct link to PDF file [20 KB]

Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program

During major outbreaks, the Southern Pine beetle (SPB) severely impacts the region’s tourism and wood-based industries, and also negatively impacts watersheds and wildlife habitat, most notably that of the red-cockaded woodpecker. The SPB Prevention Program is a cornerstone piece to the Southern Region Forest Health Protection’s efforts to institute a comprehensive and integrated approach for preventing and reducing the impacts of SPB on federal, state, and private forests.

Thousand Cankers Disease

Thousand cankers disease, or TCD, is an insect/disease complex of eastern black walnut that was discovered recently in North Carolina, a new state. The disease is now known in four eastern states.

2009 FHP Business Plan [PDF, 1.68 MB]

Addresses both FHP’s vision and mission to restore, maintain, and create healthy forests; explores the core components in the programs; and explains the rationale behind its funding-allocation strategies.

Don't Move Firewood!

Protect the Nation's Forests. This camping and hunting season, get your firewood from a vendor close to your destination. Don't pack your own! Invasive insects and diseases in dead and dying wood threaten our native trees and forests. If you move firewood, you could be giving these pests a free ride to new territory. [Links to Northeastern Area]

The Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Initiative: Working for Healthier Forests

A new article describing the history, current practices, and the accomplishments of the first 6 years of the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Initiative. (from the Journal of Forestry) [PDF, 4.8 MB]

Southern Pine Beetle Hazard Maps

SPB hazard maps developed by the Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET) to identify areas with potential for experiencing significant SPB activity. The regional SPB hazard map, which is a compilation of eight models run across 15 broad ecological zones, includes the Southern Region (Region 8), five mid-Atlantic states, and the District of Columbia. (Links to FHTET)

Preparing for Invasive Species Outbreaks: A Workbook for State Foresters

[MS Word] [ PDF ]

Regional Insect and Disease Risk Maps

View maps, organized by state, that show the risk associated with the most serious individual pest problems in the Southern Region.

Laurel Wilt / Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

A new area of our web site related to these non-native pests in coastal FL, GA, MS, and SC.

Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak Preparedness Guide

A guide to help land managers deal with southern pine beetle under varying population levels. [PDF]

Hemlock woolly adelgid Information

Visit this website for a wide range of information about hemlock woolly adelgid, a non-native insect that is destroying hemlock species in the eastern U.S.

Emerald ash borer information

Visit this site for a wide range of information about emerald ash borer, a non-native insect that threatens a large variety of North American hardwoods.

How to Evaluate and Manage Storm-Damaged Forest Areas

Have your trees been affected by a storm? Check out this publication for helpful information and advice on what to do next.

Sirex noctilio Information

Visit this site to learn about the Sirex woodwasp, a recently-found non-native insect that threatens North American pine trees.

Sirex woodwasp Risk Maps

Find out if sirex woodwasp could be a problem where you live.

Don't Move Firewood

Protect our National Forests from invasive insects and diseases. [more]