State forester says outbreak is the worst seen in more than 20 years.
A map maintained by the Alabama Forestry Commission shows outbreaks of the Southern pine beetle widespread across the state in summer 2024.A destructive insect capable of devastating timber harvests is at “epidemic” level in Alabama, with the state’s forest management agency saying the problem is the worst it’s been in more than 20 years.
“Unfortunately, this is the highest number of beetle spots we’ve experienced in the state in the last 23 years, State Forester Rick Oates said in a recently issued statement. “The agency has conducted aerial surveys in 51 counties so far, with more counties anticipated over the next couple weeks. Both Mississippi and Georgia are also counting numerous spots. So, it looks as if this is an especially active pine beetle year not just here in Alabama, but across the Southeast.
According to the AFC, “Counties with significant SPB activity are Bibb, Calhoun, Choctaw, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, and Winston.” The announcement said that the worst infestations “are located within and around Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest. This data is relevant to landowners because a large number of beetle spots exist on adjacent private lands as well.
“The agency is also conducting ground checks and notifying forest landowners by mail,” according to the announcement. “By locating their property on this map, forest landowners and land managers can begin treating the spots.”
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