Take Precautions with Firewood from Mountain Pine Beetle Infested Trees

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release: March 21, 2012
Media Contact: Greg Josten, 605-394-2395

 

Take Precautions with Firewood from Mountain Pine Beetle Infested Trees

 

PIERRE, S.D. - As people in the Black Hills cut down and chunk their mountain pine beetle infested trees, they need to remember not to move or stack the chunks.

 

According to Brian Garbisch, forest health team leader for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA), many people are cutting the infested trees into firewood-length chunks.

 

“Firewood is a good use for the chunks,” Garbisch said. “However, if the chunks are stacked or piled, most of the beetles will survive and fly to living pine trees this summer.”

 

The chunks must be left flat on the ground so they can dry out.  Even when laid flat on the ground, a small number of beetles can survive the drying process and emerge from the cut chunks.

 

People should not move, stack, or pile the infested chunks until September, after the beetle flight, Garbisch said.

 

For more information about mountain pine beetles, contact SDDA at 605-394-2395 or visit www.Beatthebeetle.com

 

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 80,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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