Forests at Risk Because of Swiss Needle Cast

Swiss needle cast, a fungal disease in found in Douglas-fir forests, has continued to intensify off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. This disease has affected hundreds of thousands of acres in Oregon and Washington and is costing tens of millions of dollars a year in lost growth. Swiss needle cast affects older as well as young stands and causes discoloration, loss of needles and growth reduction. In some cases, the disease causes forest growth to almost grind to a halt. Click here to read more about swiss needle cast affecting Douglas-fir forests.