Western Red-Cedar Die-back in Washington State

I’ve spent years tracking down old-growth Western Red Cedars (Thuja plicata) in the forests around Lynn Valley. Many are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Like most people, I hear about the threats of climate change all the time. But it lands differently when the evidence is local, direct, and backed by data. The news out of Washington State is just that.

According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in their 2020 Forest Health Highlights report (published in 2021), Washington State's Western Red Cedars (Thuja plicata) experienced more die-back in 2020 than in previous years. Specifically, the report states:

“Dieback and mortality of western red cedar was observed in 2020 throughout Washington. Symptoms of dieback include discoloration of the needles, thinning crowns and heavy cone crops. Damage agents including wood-boring beetles and cedar bark beetles were observed at some sites, but recent drought and high temperatures are likely the primary cause of the dieback. Ground surveys reported more extensive mapping of western red cedar dieback in 2020 than in previous years.”

The complete version of the Forest Health Highlights report can be found at the following link: DNR Forest Health Highlights

This isn’t just a forestry issue — it’s a generational one. If we lose these trees, we lose part of the story they’ve carried for centuries.

I’ll continue sharing what I learn. If you’re seeing signs of die-back where you live, I’d love to hear from you.