Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico forestry officials say tree die-offs surged last year, driven by warm weather, drought, and native insects. The state estimates 209,000 acres of trees died, compared to 67,000 acres the year before.The greatest impacts were recorded south of I-40—especially in the Lincoln and Gila National Forests.According to the Forest Health Program, bark beetles thrive when trees are stressed. Officials say the dead trees add to wildfire fuel loads. One of the strategies to improve forest conditions is targeted thinning.
