To address the continued need for forest pest research and technology development, the Forest Pest Management Cooperative was established in 1996. As of 2015, twelve dues-paying members, including six forest industries or timber investment management organizations, four associate members with forestry interests, Texas A&M Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service / Forest Health Protection (Region 8), have joined the FPMC.
Insects, diseases and weeds commonly reduce growth and survival of trees and forests throughout the United States. Damage and death due to insect pests alone in southern forests have been conservatively estimated at more than $485 million per year.
In the past, forest pest problems have been addressed largely by the research and pest management branches of the USDA Forest Service. Changes in forest policy on federal land and personnel within the USFS have shifted the objectives of public land management largely away from commercial timber production.
Goals for public land, and priorities for federally-funded research, are being directed more toward ecosystem management, maintenance of biodiversity, wilderness, wildlife management, recreation and protection of endangered species. Forest management on federal lands in the future will emphasize natural regeneration, longer rotations, diversity of tree species and uneven-aged management.
Forest industry, in contrast, is focusing increasing efforts on intensively-managed, short-rotation pine and hardwood plantations as a means to meet current and future demands for forest products. As the intensity of forest management increases, greater insect and disease problems are likely to be encountered. Reduced growth and tree deaths due to various pests, often tolerated in natural forested areas, cannot be ignored in high-value plantations.
+ Services to Members
- Member participation in setting research and technology development priorities
- On-site evaluation of specific pest problems
- Evaluation and demonstration of new pest management technology
- Assistance in determining the impact of forest pests
- Training in the identification, prevention, detection, evaluation and suppression of forest pests
- Copies of FPMC annual reports, newsletters and related publications
- Immediate access to new pest management technology and information
+ Membership in the FPMC
Membership in the
FPMC is open to all forest industries, agencies or private landowners. Membership dues are dependent on full or partial participation.
Contact: Dr. Ron Billings
phone: 979-458-6650
rbillings@tfs.tamu.edu
+ Current FPMC Membership
Full Members as of 2015
The Campbell Group
Forest Investment Associates
Hancock Forest Management Inc.
Plum Creek Timber Company Inc.
Rayonier
Texas A&M Forest Service
USDA Forest Service / FHP (R8)
Weyerhaeuser Co.
Associate Members as of 2015
Anthony Forest Products Co.
ArborGen
Arborjet, Inc.
International Forestry Company
MEMBERSHIP IN THE FPMC
Membership in the FPMC is open to all forest industries, agencies or private landowners. Membership dues are dependent on the size of land ownership.
Contact:
Dr. Ron Billings
phone: 979-458-6650
rbillings@tfs.tamu.edu