A group of congressional staffers, including Doug Crandell on the House Forest & Forest Health Subcommittee, begin to gather for presentations on Southern Pine Beetle.

Doug Morris, Superintendent of the Shenandoah National Park, welcomes participants.

Doug Morris captivates his audience with unknown facts about the Shenandoah National Park.

John Nowak, USDA Forest Service, is showing evidence of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) infestations and how they adversely affect most pine species throughout their natural ranges.

Tim Tigner, Virginia Department of Forestry, discussing the impact of Southern Pine Beetles to nearly all southern ecosystems.

Lisa Jamison, National Park Service, is giving a lively explanation of how invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Tree-of-Heaven, and Oriental Bittersweet have dominated the composition.

Lisa Jamison engages the group with questions and answers about invasive plants.

John Nowak, USDA Forest Service, shows tree mortality rate caused by the European Gypsy Moth at the Shenandoah Natl Park Pinnacles Overlook.

Rolf Gubler, National Park Service, continues the discussion on this popular defoliating insect, European Gypsy Moth, which typically leads to tree mortality.

Steve Oak, USDA Forest Service, gives the group a history lesson on oak decline caused by the American Chestnut.

Gordon Olson, Shenandoah National Park, explains how the Ozone, which is an important component of the atmosphere, is causing plant injury and affecting forest health.

Congressional staffers, Forest Service employees, and cooperators convene to see poster displays. This forum provided another opportunity for staffers to ask specific questions about the Forest Services role in restoring and rehabilitating forest and rangeland ecosystems.

The group is preparing for a 1.3 mile walk on the Shenandoah National Forest Limberlost Trail to see Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Everyone is wearing a hard hat as a safety precaution.

James Rusty Rhea, USDA Forest Service, & Rolf Gubler, Shenandoah NPS, lead the trail by showing the group where the damages occurred. The group is also observing the devastation to Hemlock groves caused by the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Steve Oak, USDA Forest Service, ends the field trip with updates on Sudden Oak Death. Specifically, how it affects ecosystem functions, increase fire and safety hazards, and reduces property values.

Naomi Martinez, HACU InternEllita Harrington, USDA Forest ServiceJohn Nowak, USDA Forest ServicePaul Merten, USDA Forest ServiceJesus Cota, USDA Forest ServiceRobert Mangold, USDA Forest ServiceCongressional Tour Committee(left to right)