DEP MOVES TO SUPPRESS SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE; INVASIVE PEST
THREATENING PINELANDS FORESTS (11/P56) TRENTON - State foresters
this week are beginning suppression activities to address
infestations of the southern pine beetle, which destroyed a
record number of acres of South Jersey pine forests last year,
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin
announced today. "The invasive southern pine beetle is a major
threat to our unique Pinelands region," said Commissioner
Martin. "We need residents and private owners of forest lands to
help us look out for this pest and report any infestations. With
early detection, foresters and tree experts can help greatly
limit the damage." DEP will begin control activities on State
lands this week through the directional felling of infested
trees. This involves cutting trees, dropping them in the
direction of the infestation outbreak's origin, and leaving them
on the ground. The horizontal position of the trees disorients
the larvae and beetles, which prevents