Bark Beetle Cost-Share Reduction Program - September 29, 2021

Phoenix, AZ (9/29/21)- What's bugging Arizona trees? Bark beetles. And the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management wants to assist private landowners with maintaining healthy forests and reduce those bug infestations through the Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share program. 

The Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share program helps landowners rapidly respond to active bark beetle infestations by paying 50% of the cost of tree removal. This program aims to help private landowners near or adjacent to National Forest system land reduce the spread of the bugs. The goals of this program support one of the many critical missions of DFFM by protecting healthy forests, supporting communities, reducing wildfire risk, and reducing impacts of prolonged drought. 

What are bark beetles? They are very small insects that feed on the sugary tissue that lies between the bark and the wood of a tree. When they feed they create tunnels which, when severe enough, will ultimately cause the tree to die. Bark beetles typically prefer to attack weakened, stressed trees. When bark beetles find forested areas that contain weak, stressed trees, they produce an aggregate pheromone that attracts more beetles to the area. 

Please read the Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share program homeowner's handout for more information on how to participate in the program.