North Dakota

Mitigating invasive tree pests (exotic or non-native tree insects and pathogens) and invasive weeds are perhaps the greatest priority in North Dakota. The expansion of invasives, such as the emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, and spotted knapweed threaten the ecological services provided by the state’s natural resources.

Over maturity and limited natural regeneration threatens the future sustainability of North Dakota‘s forests. Natural regeneration is hindered by the lack of processes that promote regeneration (flooding, prescribed fire, harvesting) or processes that limit regeneration (herbivory). This issue is most prominent in the state‘s aspen forests, riparian forests dominated by cottonwood, and riparian forests with an overabundance of ash.

Wildfire is a common occurrence in North Dakota. The majority of the state's fuels are still highly combustible, light fuels that burn readily and rapidly given the right environmental conditions. Preventing and responding to protect lives and property from such occurrences remains as a high priority.