Statewide Iowa (RI) — The number of red and white oak trees in Iowa has dropped in half over the last 35 years, according to data from the U.S. Forest Service.
Iowa DNR forestor Mark Vitosh says there are several things that could be impacting the oaks.
Vitosh says another concern is the lack of young oaks when older trees die out.
Vitosh says another big challenge is a shift in many of Iowa’s forests. Without wildfires or other nautral disturbances, shade-tolerant trees like sugar maple and hackberry fill in the open areas, making it difficult for young oaks to grow.
He encourages landowners to work with professional foresters to develop long-term management plans that support the future of oak forests in Iowa.
Vitosh made his comments on the Iowa Public Radio’s “Talk of Iowa.”
KIWA Staff Photo
