Michigan forests pestered by return of spruce budworm

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The spruce budworm moth is returning to Michigan forests after a 30-year absence. (entomart Wikimedia Commons)

The spruce budworm moth is returning to Michigan forests after a 30-year absence.
(entomart Wikimedia Commons)

The spruce budworm is a pretty small moth. Its wingspan is all of two centimeters when fully grown. But despite its small stature, the insect is also a bit of a sleeping giant. Every thirty years or so, the native pest takes to the forest and wreaks havoc on spruce and balsam fir trees.

The last widespread infestation in our region stretched from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Now, experts say we’re at beginning of the next big spruce budworm outbreak.

Current State speaks with Bob Heyd, a forest health specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Marquette.

This segment was produced by WKAR’s Current State and is reproduced with permission.

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