21-04-2025
Tree deaths in New Mexico doubled from 2023 to 2024, report says
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — Twice as many trees died in New Mexico's forests from 2023 to 2024, according to the Forest Health Conditions report released on Monday. The New Mexico Forestry Division says the driving factors are insects and warmer conditions.
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The report is based on aerial surveys mapping insect and disease activities across 14 million acres of state, private, Tribal, and federal forests as well as woodlands. The forestry division provided this breakdown:
'70,000 acres of dead conifer trees – up from the 33,000 acres in 2023.
406,000 acres damaged by insects, disease, and harsh conditions — an increase of 42,000 acres or 12% since 2023.
39% rise in trees losing needles, leaves, and turning brown or red statewide.'
Native insects were found to be the primary cause of tree damage, including caterpillars of Douglas-fir tussock moths which defoliated 18,000 acres in mixed conifer forests. A small sap-sucking insect known as a Piñon needle scale defoliated 16,000 acres. Some others include bark beetles, Piñon ips, Western Spruce budworm, and Ponderosa needleminer.
The amount of forest and woodland acres impacted by drought and heat last year decreased by 65% statewide, although the state's mean temperature rose to 53.6 to make 2024 the second warmest year on record.
You can look at the full report online.
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