Forest Health
The capacity of the southern Appalachian region to provide extensive and diverse resource values is seriously compromised by unhealthy forest conditions. Poor health jeopardizes the underlying ecosystems that support timber, wildlife, fisheries, water, and scenic resources. A variety of insects, diseases, and other stressors have had pervasive impacts on the structure and composition of Southern Appalachian forests and threaten forest health in this region. Introduced, invasive species have changed the character of these ecosystems in unintended (and often disastrous) ways. Increased human populations, both within and near these upland ecosystems, threaten their health from overuse, water and air pollution, and urban development. The forest health section of the encyclopedia highlights many of the important species and factors which influence the health of our forests.
- Chestnut Blight
- Dogwood Anthracnose
- Dutch Elm Disease
- Beech Bark Disease
- Oak Decline
- Butternut Canker
- Kudzu
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- Oriental Bittersweet
- Purple Loosestrife
- Lespedeza
- Japanese stiltgrass
- Privet
- Mimosa
- Garlic Mustard
Nonnative Invasive Insects and Pathogens
- Forest Insects : Southern Appalachian trees serve as hosts for a variety of insects. Recently introduced insects from Europe and Asia have threatened the survival of several tree populations due to their lack of natural endemic controls.
- Nonnative Invasive Species : Nonnative invasive species are an important threat to forest health in the southern Appalachians. Invasive plants, insects, and pathogens that have become established are affecting the health of forested ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and comprising t
- Air Quality : Declines in air-quality in the southern Appalachians has caused increases in ozone, acid deposition, and decreased visibility. Air quality effects forest productivity, aquatic resources, recreation, and human health.
Encyclopedia ID: p1370
