Forest Health
About the Program
The Kansas Forest Service’s Forest Health Program focuses on detection, identification, management, and reduction of threats to forest and ecosystem health in Kansas. This work includes monitoring and addressing existing and emerging pests, pathogens, invasive species, and environmental stressors that significantly impact the health and resilience of woodlands statewide. Through partnerships with agencies, organizations, and landowners, the Program offers guidance and support to help Kansans navigate today’s forest health challenges and prepare for those ahead.
Services We Provide
- Monitor and track critical pests, diseases, invasive species, and environmental stressors that affect Kansas forests
- Coordinate, install, and manage trap/detection trees for destructive tree insects
- Conduct site visits and consult with landowners (10+ acres of woodlands) on major tree and forest health threats
- Provide technical assistance through meetings, classes, workshops, and management recommendations
- Manage the Backpack Mist-blower loan program
- Lead specialized programs and invasive plant initiatives like Callery Pear Buyback events
Services We Cannot Provide
- Site visits for non-forest or agroforest land, generally less than 10 acres
- Diagnosis or site visits for individual sick tree calls (K-State Extension)
- Services which may directly compete with private businesses providing forestry or tree services
- Provide legal or expert testimony, including participation in civil cases, including right-of-way clearance, land condemnation, or timber trespass
- Regulate or enforce actions on other agencies or organizations
- Representation of landowners during the negotiation and execution of timber sale contracts, marking of trees for harvest, or providing volume estimations
- Marking and administering timber sales (Kansas Timber Buyers)
- Tree appraisals, tax advice and valuations (Consulting Foresters)
Statewide Forestry Staff
| Shad Hufnagel | Forest Health Program Coordinator |