Southern Pine Beetles Killing Pitch Pines, Threatening Safety | 27Speaks

Southern Pine Beetles Killing Pitch Pines, Threatening Safety

icon 1 Photo
New York State has been blocked from cutting down trees infested with southern pine beetles this summer by concerns about the potential for harming northern long eared bats, a newly designated endangered species that has been known to live in the region. But the stands of dead trees have spiked fears of a potential wildfire growing out of control. 
MICHAEL WRIGHT

New York State has been blocked from cutting down trees infested with southern pine beetles this summer by concerns about the potential for harming northern long eared bats, a newly designated endangered species that has been known to live in the region. But the stands of dead trees have spiked fears of a potential wildfire growing out of control. MICHAEL WRIGHT

27Speaks on Sep 14, 2023

Destructive southern pine beetles have been sweeping through the South Fork for several years, killing pitch pine trees. Standing dead trees are ideal fuel for wildfires, and they may also topple or drop branches onto roads and people. Southern pine beetle management has involved cutting down affected trees and often leaving them in place, but despite these efforts, the infestation continues to spread. To discuss how East Hampton Town is combating southern pine beetles and the risks, reporter Michael Wright and East Hampton Town Councilman David Lys join the editors on the podcast this week.

Subscribe to 27Speaks on Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify, rate us and leave a review.

You May Also Like:

Repeated Changes

The Village of Sag Harbor is operated by dedicated staff and volunteers to various boards and committees, without which our beautiful, historic village would descend into chaos. Everyone who lives, works or has business interests in the village should recognize and appreciate these people’s hard work. The site of the proposed mixed-use development on Bridge Street, in the heart of the village, is low-lying, floodprone land fill with a long history of industrial use nearby. The proposal has gone through many iterations. Many of us hoped that the draft environmental impact statement would fully address all the issues identified in ... 17 Mar 2025 by Staff Writer

Fight for Clean Air

There are areas of the country in which polluting chemical plants and refineries are concentrated to such a degree that they pose an extreme health risk to nearby residents. In one stretch along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, the air and water are so polluted that the harm done to the health of residents is such that the area is known as “Cancer Alley.” Residents of Cancer Alley die at an earlier age than the average American. They die needlessly and leave behind grieving family members and friends. Not surprisingly, these polluting plants and refineries are not located near any ... by Staff Writer

Long Story Short

It’s been a while; it’s been too long. 25 words or less. We need something to lift our spirits. Bring it back. End of story. Nancy Greenberg Sag Harbor by Staff Writer

Sag Harbor Village Board Will Hold ADU Workshop Saturday

The Sag Harbor Village Board has scheduled a public workshop to discuss accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Municipal Building. Mayor Tom Gardella said the workshop would give residents an opportunity to voice their opinions about how the village’s current ADU legislation could be improved. The board has received complaints about the law, as written, because it would require that a lot be at least 70 feet wide. Others have raised concern that under the current law, it would be possible to construct numerous accessory apartments in a neighborhood, effectively increasing the ... by Staff Writer

Gratitude

Our East End Hospice offices were saved from the March 8 brush fires because of the indefatigable efforts of countless people [“Hospice, Businesses Saved by Firefighters Amid Saturday Blaze,” 27east.com, March 12]. The tremendous scope of the emergency response was awe-inspiring. We are grateful to every individual who showed immense bravery and selflessness to contain and extinguish the fires. To the 106th Rescue Wing, our neighbors on Old Riverhead Road, and the New York National Guard, thank you for providing air support. To the New York State Troopers, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Westhampton Beach Police Department ... by Staff Writer

Scholarship Available for Italian-American Students

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo has announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. For 2025, four scholarships, each worth $3,000, are being offered: two recognizing academic excellence and two honoring athletic achievement. Residents of the 1st Senate District who are either enrolled in college or high school seniors preparing to attend college are eligible to apply. Those interested are invited to submit their applications online at nyiacsl.org. The deadline is March 30, by 5 p.m. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, ... by Staff Writer

Wedding Memorabilia Sought for Sag Harbor Historical Museum Exhibit

The Sag Harbor Historical Museum is preparing for its upcoming exhibit at the Annie Cooper ... by Staff Writer

School News, March 20, Sag Harbor & East Hampton Town

‘Souper Bowl’ Food Drive The Amagansett School student council hosted a ‘Souper’ Bowl food drive ... by Staff Writer

Community News, March 20

YOUTH CORNER Circle of Fun East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street in East Hampton, will ... by Staff Writer

Water Balloon Drop Planned at CMEE

The Children’s Museum of the East End will host a Water Balloon Drop Challenge on Saturday, March 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. All ages are welcome. Participants will create contraptions to protect their balloon from the highest drop in the museum, the top of the pirate ship. Guests are encouraged to bring upcycled materials from home such as milk cartons, takeout containers, and plastic bags to build their contraption. The cost is $10 for members, $25 for nonmembers. To register, go to cmee.org. by Staff Writer