OK: FORESTRY OFFICIALS TARGET DEVASTATING BEETLES
News Date July 21, 2009
Oklahoma Forestry officials recently announced that funding is available for forest landowners to prevent the ravages of a pine beetle infestation that has devastated vast areas in many southern states. “More than 600,000 acres of Oklahoma’s pine forests are at high risk of attack by the South’s most destructive forest insect, the Southern Pine Beetle,” said John Burwell, State Forester. “Congress and the U.S. Forest Service are supporting State efforts to help landowners thin these overcrowded pine stands and improve forest health.”
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is offering cost-share assistance to landowners whose forests are at greatest risk. Approved forestry practices include thinning of dense pine stands and development of forest management plans. For more information visit the State Forester’s website. Contact Jack Carson (405) 522-4575