en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released its annual "Forest Health Highlights" report, comprehensively detailing the pressures posed by pests, diseases, and climatic factors on the state's 20 million acres of forestland. The department directly manages nearly 4 million acres of state forestland, while also coordinating with local, federal, and tribal partners to intervene in other forested areas.
A severe ice storm in March 2025 became a focal point of the report, leading to disaster declarations in 13 northern counties and snapping countless trees. Forest Resources Division staff anticipate dealing with the cascading effects of this extreme weather event for decades to come.
During 2025, a team consisting of three forest health foresters, one outreach forester, and two invasive species biologists worked collaboratively on the ground and in the air. For hemlock woolly adelgid, the team surveyed 360 acres and treated 170 acres; through aerial surveys covering over 18.2 million acres, they mapped more than 100,000 acres of damaged areas; meanwhile, 23 oak wilt disease sites were treated.
In terms of invasive plant control, the team surveyed nearly 3,000 acres based on the state's invasive species watch list, discovering Chinese yam, fig buttercup, and Japanese stiltgrass at Three Rivers State Game Area, Grand River State Game Area, and multiple locations in southern Michigan, respectively. All sites were treated, with follow-up treatments required in 2026. The watch list specifically catalogues species that pose potential threats to the economy, environment, or public health.
The report also highlights progress made through scientific research collaboration and guidance provided to private forestland owners. Professionals continuously monitor pest outbreaks and train local communities to identify early signs, aiming to sustain recreational spaces, wildlife habitats, high-quality water sources, and sustainable forest products. The full report is available on the DNR's forest health webpage.
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