Forest and Plant Health

How healthy are the nation’s forests? Forests and grasslands are vulnerable to a variety of environmental stressors, including fire, invasive species, non-native pests, pathogens, and drought. Maintaining healthy, resilient, and productive national forests and grasslands is a priority for the Northern Research Station. 

Northern Research Station scientists conduct research to evaluate the interacting and cumulative effects of multiple stressors on forest and grassland health. Researchers and practitioners work together to maintain ecosystem health by applying science-based land management. Researchers from many disciplines partner to develop insect/disease resistant or tolerant tree varieties, while harnessing new and emerging technologies to detect novel threats and discover innovative strategies for managing forest disease and pests.