North Cascades Forest Health: Insects, disease & other threats - Online
Event Details
- When
- Dec 02, 2026 from 07:00 PM to 08:15 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- Rachel Brooks
- Class Tuition
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The forests of Washington are constantly changing. Native insects, invasive pests, disease, drought, wildfire, and a changing climate all play a role in shaping the landscapes we know and love. But how do scientists keep track of these changes, and what are they seeing today?

Western spruce budworm adult and associated damage in the North Cascades; Credit Rachel Brooks / DNR
Join Washington State Department of Natural Resources Forest Pathologist Rachel Brooks for an inside look at the latest findings from the annual Forest Health Highlights in Washington report. Drawing on statewide monitoring conducted in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Rachel will explore emerging forest health issues, recent insect and disease outbreaks, and the natural and human-caused disturbances affecting forests across Washington.

Aspen leafminer damage in 2025 near Flowery Trail Pass; Credit Dana Brennan / DNR
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how forest health is monitored, what current trends may mean for the future of our forests, and where to find reliable information about the landscapes around you. Whether you’re a naturalist, landowner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the forests of the Pacific Northwest, this timely online presentation will help you better understand the complex forces shaping one of our region’s greatest treasures.

Sporulating western gall rust on lodgepole pine branch; Credit Rachel Brooks / DNR