As California continues to endure a four-year drought, Gov. Jerry Brown is addressing the massive tree die-off, largely caused by a beetle infestation.
Brown declared a state of emergency Friday, asking the federal government for additional funding and help for private landowners to remove dead and dying trees.
"California is facing the worst epidemic of tree mortality in its modern history," said Governor Brown in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "A crisis of this magnitude demands action on all fronts."
The administration says the dry conditions have made trees in many regions in the state vulnerable to native bark beetles. More than 22 million trees have died in California due to current conditions, according to estimates by the United States Forest Service.
The epidemic also worsens wildfire risks, and falling trees could be life-threatening to Californians living in rural, forested communities, Brown's administration said.
Friday's announcement comes after Brown ordered a 25 percent statewide mandatory water reduction in April 2014, in response to the drought.
The proclamation will allow County departments to work with State agencies to address affected trees in the County. The County will also coordinate with a task force on emergency protective actions.
