Newly found fungus could threaten Southeast Alaska trees

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A fungus that damages trees is making its way through the state of Alaska.

The fungus, spruce bud blight, has left damage in Southcentral and Interior Alaska, and now has been discovered for the first time in the southeast part of the state.

The infection was discovered in Southeast Alaska in late June, the first reported sighting in the region, CoastAlaska News reported Thursday.

The blight infects Sitka spruce, one of the most common trees in Southeast Alaska’s rainforest.

“Right now, I’m considering it potentially a significant threat,’’ Forest Pathologist Robin Mulvey...