Statewide Forest Health

DNR Participates In Beech Leaf Disease Detection Survey

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Map of Wisconsin

A Wisconsin map showing results of a beech leaf disease survey that ran from 2023 to 2026. / Graphic Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Forest Health Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov; 608-335-0167

To date, there have been no confirmed discoveries of beech leaf disease (BLD) in Wisconsin landscape, and we are on the lookout for this disease.

The disease is primarily found on American beech (Fagus grandifolia) but can also be found on ornamental species like European, Oriental, and Chinese beech (F. sylvatica, F. orientalis, and F. engleriana). Although it has not yet been found in Wisconsin, recent discoveries of the disease in Michigan and other states highlight the continued importance of monitoring BLD’s expansion.

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Avoid Ash Trees When Scouting For Deer Stand Locations

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A hunter climbs into a tree stand.

A hunter prepares to safely climb into a tree stand. Hunters are advised to stay away from ash trees when choosing a tree to use for their stand, due to the possibility of hidden damage to the tree due to emerald ash borer. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

As deer hunters begin to scout for suitable tree stand locations, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns hunters to avoid placing their deer stands in or near ash trees.

That’s because of the scourge of emerald ash borer (EAB), which has been confirmed present in all 72 Wisconsin counties. It has already left most ash trees in the southern half of Wisconsin dead or dying, along with many in Door County and the Mississippi River counties.

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Tips For Identifying Asian Longhorned Beetle And Lookalikes

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Closeup of female Asian longhorned beetle.

A female Asian longhorned beetle has a shiny appearance, bright spots and black-and-white striped antennae. / Photo Credit: Bugwood.org

By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov

More than 300 species of longhorn beetles inhabit the Midwest. The invasive Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is not yet one of them, with no Wisconsin populations reported.

But ALB’s potential for damage is great enough that state agencies are asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the insect — and to avoid being confused by a relative lookalike.

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Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances

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Two DNR workers discuss tree issues in the forest.

Alex Hornung, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist for Central Wisconsin, discusses the tree disease phomopsis with Chief Forester Heather Berklund during a site visit near Minocqua in July 2026. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Forest Health Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

Alex Hornung, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist for Central Wisconsin, will discuss oak wilt biology at a workshop this month.

Hornung will take part in a Wisconsin Forestry Center/Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation workshop on oak wilt biology and management, focused on information for landowners and the public. The discussion will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Schmeeckle Reserve, 2419 N. Point Drive, Stevens Point. She will be joined by Dr. Holly Petrillo, Professor of Forestry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

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Public Hearing On Invasive Species Regulations Set

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A wide-angle photo of an infestation of Japanese stilt grass in a forest.

A field at the Coulee Experimental Forest near La Crosse is infested by Japanese stilt grass. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Jenn Janness, DNR Urban Forestry Communications

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public hearing on a permanent rule to revise Ch. NR 40, relating to changes to invasive species regulations.

Meeting details:

  • Date: Aug. 5, 2026
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Online: Join via Microsoft Teams
  • Phone: Join by calling 608-571-2209 and entering phone conference ID 496 793 478#

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Forest Health Team Debuts Two New Fact Sheets

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An image of the front page of a DNR fact sheet.

The front page of the Wisconsin DNR’s new Forest Health Fact Sheet on oak decline. / Graphic Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team has published two new fact sheets, bringing the total count of its fact sheet offerings to 26.

The new fact sheets:

  • Fall Webworm: DNR Publication FR-622u discusses basic information on the biology of the insect (Hyphantria cunea), its life cycle, potential lookalike caterpillars and management options.
  • Oak Decline: DNR Publication FR-622v covers the tricky topic of oak decline, which is not caused by one distinct forest pest or problem but instead is the result of multiple factors — some predisposing, some inciting and some contributing — that work in combination to cause decline.

The fact sheets are designed in full color, with photos, and are meant to be printed out for reference or to carry into the field. They can also be viewed online. They can be printed on standard letter-sized paper. Most fact sheets are two pages, meant for two-sided printing; a few are four-page documents.

A complete directory of links to all DNR Forest Health fact sheets is available online.

Oak Decline May Continue In 2026

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A wide view of declining oak trees following spongy moth defoliation and drought.

Oak trees with thin canopies experiencing decline following spongy moth defoliation and drought in the prior few years. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By River Mathieu, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
River.Mathieu@wisconsin.gov

Oak decline is a complicated forest health issue impacting oak forests in Wisconsin.

In the past few years, oak decline has been recorded in several regions of Wisconsin, primarily linked to spongy moth defoliation and drought conditions that occurred from 2022-2024.

As the summer months of 2026 continue to unfold, oak decline may continue in areas previously impacted by spongy moth and drought.

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Species Spotlight: Red Hailstone

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A large creeping vine blankets neighboring trees and plants.

A red hailstone infestation in Dane County blankets surrounding vegetation and can be seen climbing into trees. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov

Note: This is the third installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a series of articles released monthly during the growing season.

What is heart-shaped and hairy all over? Red hailstone!

Two hands holding tubers of the red hailstone plant.

Underground tubers of red hailstone. The tubers easily break off to create new plants. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Also known as golden creeper or Manchu tubergourd (Thladiantha dubia), this invasive perennial vine can grow 18 feet in a single growing season and spreads through underground potato-like tubers that break off from the root system to create new populations.

 

 

 

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Cooperative Enlists Public To Make Tree Health A Snap

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A worker speaks with colleagues in a forested area.

Dr. Scott O’Donnell, center, a forest geneticist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Economics and Ecology section, updates members of the DNR Forest Health team on upcoming genetic projects at an orchard near Lake Tomahawk in Hazelhurst during the Forest Health team’s summer meeting on May 25, 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

It takes more than a village to foster healthy forests. More than a township, a city and a county, too. Sometimes, even more than a state.

That’s why the Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Cooperative (GLB FHC) was formed five years ago by Holden Arboretum in Ohio and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Geographically, the group’s region encompasses an area from New Jersey to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is an active member.

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Watch for Asian Longhorned Beetle

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Closeup of an insect crawling on a person's hand.

An adult Asian longhorned beetle. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-7690

Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has not been found in Wisconsin, but early detection is critical to eliminating it from infested areas. Forest Health workers from Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, recently had the opportunity to visit an active ALB infestation in South Carolina to learn how to identify infested trees. This experience will greatly enhance staff’s ability to detect ALB and respond rapidly.

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