The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), together with a variety of state and federal agencies, has confirmed Wednesday the presence of the southern pine beetle (SPB) in New York State.

This is the first detection of SPB infestation in the state, following the discovery of dead and dying pine trees in some parts of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Henry's Hollow Pine Barren State Forest and the Connetquot River State Park in Long Island.

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The Long Island Pine Barrens offers critical environment, social and economic benefits to its residents and communities. Officials believed that the presence of the destructive beetle is a serious threat to its signature pitch pine resource.

"We are hopeful we have discovered this insect's presence at an early stage and are committed to working with local, State and Federal partners to determine the extent of the infestation and minimize its spread and impacts," said Joe Martens, the DEC Commissioner.

The SPB is considered among the most destructive forest pests in the U.S. It has recently expanded its range north and westward.  

It strikes all species of pine. Since 2001, it destroyed about 1000 acres of pine forests in New Jersey.

Starting into the bark, these insects work their way until they reach the cambium layer of a pine. The female among the adults then creates curved tunnels through the living tissue where she lays her eggs.

After hatching, the newly developed larvae feed out from the tunnels until they reach the bark where they pupate. They finally emerge as adults through small rounded holes on the bark.

The process completes within 2 to 4 months, leaving trees to die quickly.

Officials said that they are focusing on minimizing the damage to over 100,000 acres of the pine habitat in Long Island. They are encouraging the public to report any signs of SPB in order to slow the spread of the destructive beetle. 

TagsSouthern Pine Beetle, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Henry's Hollow Pine Barren State Forest, Connetquot River State Park, Long Island Pine Barrens, pests