Dead Trees Prompt Gov. Brown to Declare State of Emergency

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — The prolonged drought has exacerbated bark beetle infestation, killing tens of millions of California’s trees.

Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency, and is seeking federal assistance for safe removal.

In a letter to U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilask, Brown says the state is facing the worst epidemic of tree mortality in modern history, and a crisis of this magnitude demands action on all fronts.

The U.S. Forest Service estimates more than 22 million trees have died in California due to the extreme conditions.