Keene Residents to Learn About Combatting Invasive Red Pine Scale Threatening Local Forests
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A community Zoom session will be held tonight,offering Keene,New Hampshire residents a crucial update on the city’s strategy to address the red pine scale,an invasive insect endangering the region’s iconic red pine trees.The presentation, scheduled for 6 p.m. Eastern Time, comes as the city proactively seeks to manage the escalating threat and safeguard its urban forest.
City Hosts Community Forum on Forest Health
The City of Keene is hosting a 30-minute Zoom presentation to detail its ongoing efforts to manage the red pine scale. The session will feature staff from the Keene Parks and Recreation Department, alongside forestry experts from the New hampshire Division of Forests and Lands and the UNH Cooperative Extension. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about the impact of the invasive insect on local trees and participate in a live question-and-answer session. To join the meeting, residents can visit the city’s website and use the password “RPS.”
Did you know? – Red pine scale, a tiny insect, feeds on the sap of red pine trees, weakening and eventually killing them. The scale is a important threat to the health of local forests.
Proactive Management is Key, City Officials Say
Keene Parks and Recreation Director Carrah Fisk-Hennessey has emphasized the city’s commitment to both proactive management and clarity in addressing the red pine scale infestation. During a recent radio interview, she explained that harvesting infected trees is currently the most effective method for controlling the pest. She also noted that a significant portion of Keene’s red pines – many planted in the aftermath of the 1938 Hurricane – are approaching the end of their natural lifespan,making them especially vulnerable.
The city’s complete tree management plan encompasses selective harvesting, reforestation efforts focused on diverse species, and a robust public education component. Fisk-Hennessey highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that resident feedback has already influenced initiatives such as the Robin Hood Park renovation and the Goose Pond stewardship program.
Reader question: – What other tree species are being considered for reforestation efforts? share your thoughts on the best ways to protect our local forests from invasive pests.
Statewide Concern Highlights Need for Forest Diversity
The issue extends beyond Keene’s city limits, reflecting a broader statewide concern.A UNH Extension Forester noted that the red pine scale has spread to various parts of Cheshire County,including Swanzey’s Yale Forest. This expansion underscores the critical need for diversifying tree species in replanting efforts.”It’s never good to have one species across a landscape,” the forester stated, emphasizing the vulnerability of monoculture forests to invasive pests and diseases.
Long-Term Strategy Includes $35,000 Assessment
Keene
