Forest Health Program

Forest insects, pathogens, and diseases play important roles in the ecology of New Mexico’s forests. The disturbances they create help to recycle nutrients and thin overly dense stands. However, there are occasions when endemic insect and pathogen populations switch to an epidemic phase that can threaten entire forested landscapes. The State’s Forest Health Program provides technical and monetary assistance to help mitigate the risks and impacts of forest pests.

Forest Health Initiative Program (FHI)

This cost-share program provides reimbursement funding for the improvement of private forest lands to prevent future bark beetle infestations and other insect, pathogen, and disease pressures.

Funded by the USDA Forest Service’s Western Bark Beetle Initiative, non-industrial private landowners are reimbursed for up to 80% of costs for treating forested land.

• Approved practices involve thinning and slash treatments to prevent future losses by increasing tree and forest health.
• Project locations vary depending on the New Mexico Forest Action Plan and landowner interest throughout the state.
• Projects are considered on a “first come, first serviced” order, but selection is subject to batching based on NM Forestry Division priorities and available funding.

Concerned about the health of your trees?

Contact Victor Lucero – Forest Health Program Coordinator, or your local Division district office for more information.

Learn about Bark Beetle

Click here to learn more about Bark Beetles, how they work, and how to protect your trees. 

Signs and Symptoms of Invasive Insects 

Click below to learn more about invasive insects and the individual trees that they target. 

Douglas Fir

Additional Resources:

Forest Health Web-Based GIS:

Use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari web browsers to access dashboards.

Forest Health News

New Mexico Forest Health Report Archive 2011 – 2023 

Funding for this program is provided by the USDA Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.