The U.S. Forest Service reported that 36.3 million trees died in California in 2022 because of drought, disease, and insects. In 2021, that number was 9.5 million trees.
Dead Trees By County:
- Fresno County: 1.3 million
- Placer County: 3 million
- San Diego County: 9,400
- San Mateo County:19,000
For a complete list by county: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1088611.pdf
The Los Angeles Times found that ‘drought conditions exacerbated disease and insect infestations. According to forest officials, “abnormally high temperatures and overcrowded forests choked with dead trees also played a role in the increased mortality.”’
We know that Mother Nature is not always kind to the plants and trees that feed us, store carbon dioxide, or provide us shade. Harmful insects can devour trees and crops. Diseases can wipe out trees, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
While our members include biotechnology firms, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the world’s highest quality plant nutrients, soil amendments, minerals, and crop protection products for farmers and commercial nurseries, we understand the challenges outlined in the U.S. Forest Service report.
It is vital that California provide state funds to fully fund CDFA’s pest prevention services. But there is also no debate that California needs the tools to treat pests once they enter California – most pests and diseases enter the state through urban and tourism avenues. California’s increasingly mild climate is making it difficult to keep them out.
While the U.S. Forest Service reported 36.3 million dead trees because of drought, diseases, and insects, 40-90 percent of ground fruits and vegetables would be lost without any pest management tools.
Our member companies lead the world in environmental research to develop environmentally sound plant nutrients and pest control tools that protect our environment, workers, and communities.
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