The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has announced a plan for the suppression of an outbreak of the southern pine beetle on Washburn Island in Falmouth.
Trees affected by the beetles were identified last fall by staff at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Officials say since the infestation was found early, only a small group of trees will be removed.
Cutting down the trees will decrease the beetle population and disrupt the chemicals that cause the beetles to gather and attack the trees.
(Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA / AFP / Getty Images