Press Release  DCR Announces a Plan for Southern Pine Beetle Suppression on Washburn Island

East Falmouth — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced a response plan for the suppression of an outbreak of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis; SPB) on Washburn Island at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR). 

WBNERR staff first detected trees affected by SPB along the eastern coastline of the island in late fall 2024. The presence of SPB was then confirmed by DCR’s Director of Forest Health. The infestation appears to have been found early and currently includes only a small pocket of pitch pine trees. DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, DCR’s Natural Resources Program and DCR Park Operations staff from WBNERR worked together to develop a response plan. 

As part of the suppression plan, that began this week, DCR will cut infested trees, which will decrease the beetle population and disrupt the chemicals that cause the beetles to aggregate and attack trees. Acting quickly will limit the spread of SPB and minimize tree mortality. If left unchecked the outbreak will expand, and the beetles could spread to other pitch pine stands in the state forest or adjacent private lands. Additionally, the mitigation actions will increase park safety and reduce wildfire risk.  

SPB is native to the southern U.S. but has been expanding its range northward due to warming conditions driven by climate change. This northward spread has put pitch pine trees at risk. DCR has been monitoring for SPB since 2015. While low numbers have been trapped during survey operations, DCR has observed significant infestations and tree mortality caused by SPB over the last few years.   

SPB outbreaks have been identified at one site on Nantucket Island and multiple locations on Martha’s Vineyard. DCR has been providing guidance and technical support to the private landowners dealing with this pest.    

The DCR Forest Health Program will continue to monitor SPB populations trends and infestation risk through insect traps and ground and aerial surveys. Reports of possible SPB activity or suspicious pitch pine mortality should be directed to the DCR Forest Health Program. 

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