Forest Health
The ability 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
- Dutch Elm Disease
- Butternut Canker
- Beech Bark Disease
- Dogwood Anthracnose
- Oak Decline
- Kudzu
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- Oriental Bittersweet
- Purple Loosestrife
- Lespedeza
- Japanese stiltgrass
- Privet
- Mimosa
- Garlic Mustard
Nonnative Invasive Insects and Pathogens
- Forest Diseases : Although most of the diseases that are present in the southern Appalachians are native and a natural part of the ecosystem, some diseases are exotic and have been devastation to the ecosystem.
- 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
Encyclopedia ID: p2848
