US Forest Service cutting timber in Ouachita National Forest due to beetle infestation
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The U.S. Forest Service is working to save nearly 200 acres of pine trees in west Arkansas after an insect infestation.
The service said in a Monday release that 177 acres of Forest Service land have pine trees infected by the Ips engraver beetle. This beetle attacks stressed trees, such as those affected by drought or lightning strikes, killing branches or entire trees.
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Officials said the infestation begins on the shores of Lake Ouachita and runs north-northwest toward the town of Story. Forest Service officials said they would soon begin salvage operations to clear out infected trees and asked that people in the area stay clear of Forestry Service Roads 69, 69A, and 69B.
Ouachita National Forest official Michael Crotteau explained the Forest Service is working with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture—Forestry Division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor for further Ips beetle outbreaks.
“We are committed to prioritizing treatment where Ips beetles may impact public lands, threaten important habitat for wildlife, or pose a hazard to forest users,” Crotteau said.
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Forest Service officials asked that private property owners who suspect Ips beetle outbreaks to contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture — Forestry Division at Agriculture.Arkansas.gov/Forestry.
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