It sounds like New Hampshire’s forests are pretty healthy. Is that true?
Yes. Overall, New Hampshire’s forests are in very good shape. Major threats like insect infestation and tree diseases are generally well controlled. However, with our global economy we are seeing increasing threats from non-native insects. Recent outbreaks in regions outside New England have threatened white ash and to name a few. Regionally there are current problems with insects like Saddle Prominent caterpillar, Bark Beetle, and Balsam Wooly Adelgid; and diseases like White Pine Blister Rust, which can damage or kill trees. However, the greatest threat to the forests statewide comes from converting forested land to housing, highways, and other development.
