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US sues NY state officials over immigration enforcement; NM's national monuments face new development threats from Trump; NC community colleges get 'boost' to bring more students to high-demand jobs; Trump's resignation plan for federal workers can move forward; Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA.

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Deregulation raises environmental and public health concerns, national monuments face potential risks, political neutrality in education sparks protests, and Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation fuels controversy.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Southern pine beetle outbreak poses threat to Alabama forests, economy

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Tuesday, September 3, 2024   

Alabama's economy is heavily supported by its forestry industry - but is facing a new challenge, with a widespread outbreak of the southern pine beetle.

This native pest is known for its ability to rapidly destroy pine trees.

The Alabama Forestry Commission reports that it has already affected numerous counties, particularly in the northern half of the state.

Drew Metzler, forest health coordinator at the commission, said the outbreak this year is the most widespread Alabama has seen since 2001.

"You may notice that a pine tree is green and then two weeks later it's completely brown," said Metzler. "That's the case this year in many areas. There's just so many beetles that they're able to physically girdle a tree and along with some other fungal associates that the beetles have are able to kill pine trees very rapidly."

Some of the worst infestations have been found in Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest.

But these beetles aren't just impacting Alabama. Metzler said neighboring states, such as Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina, are also experiencing outbreaks.

Metzlers said the beetles aren't just making their way through forests, but onto private land as well.

He said to combat the southern pine beetle outbreak, it's important to consider preventive measures. He cited steps landowners can take to reduce the risk of infestation and protect their pine trees.

"But the more landowners, more preventive measures that they can do - such as thinning, prescribed burning, just controlling the amount of growth in the understory as well," said Metzler, "that goes a long way to really reduce the risk of having issues with any bark-beetle species."

Metzler also highlighted the need for vigilance in spotting early signs of infestation, such as pitch tubes on the bark, to prevent further spread of the beetles.

More information on the infestations is on the Alabama Forestry Commission website.




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