Pacific Southwest Research Station

Research Topics Tree Mortality

Tree Mortality in California

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Since 2010, an estimated 129 million trees have died in California’s national forests due to conditions caused by climate change, unprecedented drought, bark beetle infestation and high tree densities. Most visible and immediately concerning are the high number of hazard trees in and around communities and campgrounds and along roads, trails and power lines.

The U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) has been working with the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) to address tree mortality by using existing science and identifying future research opportunities.

In July 2017, Region 5 and the USDA California Climate Hub co-hosted a two-day science symposium on drought and tree mortality. Participants examined the effects of drought, beetle activity and past wildland fire management practices on tree mortality across the landscape, as well as considered ways to address these issues in the future.

A summary of their key points and findings are detailed in "Drought and Tree Mortality in the Pacific Southwest Region."

Topics

Bark
Beetles

Fire
Management

Land Management
Collaboration

Restoration
Strategies

Wildlife
Management

Additional Resources

• Publications
• Forest Service, Region 5: Responding to Tree Mortality on National Forests in California
• California Tree Mortality Task Force
• California State Association of Counties
• Photo Gallery