State forest health programs: A survey of state foresters

Abstract

Even as forest health problems appear to be intensifying in many regions of the United States, a 1998 survey of all 50 state foresters revealed that the total number of state forest health specialists has remained constant since 1988. Jobs of specialists in many states now combine the responsibilities once handled separately by forest entomologists and forest pathologists. Individual states vary widely in staffing levels and funding for forest health programs. Although few in number in most states, the 107 forest health specialists are vital to state forestry programs.