The U.S. Forest Service is investigating a significant die-off of juniper trees across much of central and northern Arizona.
On the Prescott and Kaibab National Forests approximately 50,000 to 100,000 acres of junipers have been affected in the area between Paulden and Ash Fork along Highway 89 and I-40.
Mortality has also been noted north of Williams along Highway 64. Most affected trees are shaggy bark juniper species, including Utah juniper and one-seed juniper.
Mortality is varied, with most areas showing die-off of 5-30% of trees, with some larger pockets of dead junipers ranging from 1 to 15 acres.
In addition, forest officials have been noting mortality of individual and small patches of alligator juniper in the higher elevation upland areas surrounding the City of Prescott.