Forest Pathology

The mission of the Forest Pathology Committee is to raise awareness and promote research and knowledge in the discipline of forest pathology. The Committee is composed of APS members interested in issues related to tree diseases and tree-microbe interactions, including those associated with biotic and abiotic stressors affecting urban, managed, and unmanaged forests. The approaches and perspectives of forest pathology are unique because of the lifespan of the host, the dynamic nature of forest stands, and the complex interactions within diverse forest ecosystems. Long-term growth and production periods as well as high biodiversity promote a broad range of values, such as those associated with the production of wood related products, timber, and non timber renewable resources; those related to the economic, societal, and cultural importance of forests for people inhabiting them; those stemming from recreation opportunities and ecosystem services forests provide; and, finally, those intrinsically associated with forests independent of any human benefit or use. The Committee achieves its mission by providing a forum for discussions on current issues, networking opportunities, as well as promoting the organization and/or sponsoring of symposia, special sessions, discussions, field trips and workshops at Annual APS Meetings and other professional meetings. The Committee also serves as a liaison between the APS and other scientific societies, government agencies and industry personnel in regards to forest pathology issues. In 2004, the Committee established the Forest Pathology Student Travel Award to support and encourage the participation of exceptional forest pathology students at Annual APS Meetings.