The Forest Pest Management Program assists landowners and professional resource managers in identifying and managing forest insects and diseases.  We also work to prevent and control non-native, invasive insects and diseases that threaten Montana forests.

Identify and Manage

Learn to IDENTIFY and MANAGE common forest insects and diseases.
USDA Forest Service Forest Insect and Disease Leaflets offer in-depth information on nearly any insect or disease you might encounter.
Specific questions about your forested property? Contact the local service forester.
Yard or ornamental tree questions? Contact an arborist or your local MSU Extension Agent.

Trainings and Presentations

Forest Pest Management Program offers a variety of trainings and workshops tailored to an audience’s particular needs. Recent events have been hosted by:

We also provide professional workshops for foresters, arborists, pesticide applicators, etc.
Interested in a training or presentation? Contact your local service forester to set up an event.

Grants

Western Bark Beetle Initiative grants support thinning projects on non-federal public lands  and are intended to make forests more resilient to bark beetle outbreaks. Recent projects include:

  • City of Helena Conservation Lands
  • Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
  • State of Montana Trust Lands

*Forest Pest Management grants are not available for private landowners. Please contact your local service forester for grant opportunities on private land.

Additional Resources

  • Forest Health Highlights briefly summarize annual forest health conditions in Montana. Forest Health Highlights:
  • Aerial Detection Survey spatial data is collected annually by the USDA Forest Service and estimates the extent and severity of forest insects and diseases.
  • Montana Invasive Species Council advises the governor on invasive species, including tree and forest pests.