Official State of Iowa Website

Forest Health

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Stephens State Forest

Iowa Forest Health

The overall health of Iowa’s forests require monitoring not only our native plants and animals, but also invasive insects, plants, and weeds. Through a cooperative effort between the Iowa DNR, Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA Plant Protection Quarantine (PPQ), municipal foresters, and private landowners we are able to provide an efficient monitoring program to help us make appropriate plans to eliminate or manage pests in our wooded areas.

 

Forest Health Threats

Iowa DNR foresters conduct surveys and evaluations and monitor insects, diseases, invasive plants, and management plan of forested areas. This is done to determine the status, changes, and trends in forest health conditions.

Foresters use the data from ground surveys, aerial surveys, and other sources to develop comprehensive management approaches to address forest health issues that affect the sustainability of Iowa’s forest ecosystems.

Find yearly summaries of forest pests in the Forest Health Highlights below.

Have a sick tree?

If you have a sick tree and need it tested for an accurate diagnosis, please visit the Iowa State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic:

Use the DNR Forest Health Monitor to track where pests are occurring in the State of Iowa.

There has been a drastic increase in calls to the Iowa DNR from landowner looking for the proper resources and assistance in diagnosing tree or woodland health issues. This web page has been set up to help landowners find those valuable contacts.

This assistance is a cooperative effort between Iowa DNR, Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA Plant Protection Quarantine (PPQ), and the International Society of Arboriculture.

Help protect Iowa’s forests - leave firewood at home

Although it is not illegal to transport firewood within Iowa, the DNR encourages you to buy wood from where you will burn it and avoid moving firewood over great distances.

You can help prevent the spread of pests and protect our natural resources for future generations by not moving firewood. Learn more about the importance of using local or certified heat-treated firewood at www.dontmovefirewood.org/.

 

Do not move firewood sign