Due to an infestation of the Southern pine beetle, the pitch pine trees along Montauk’s Napeague Stretch are dying. Not only does it look terrible, but it presents a fire hazard as well as a risk of potential accidents along the route.
According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website [https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/southern-pine-beetle], “All hard pine trees are susceptible to an infestation of southern pine beetle, including pitch pine, red pine, and jack pine. The adult beetle enters the tree through crevices in the bark and then creates S-shaped tunnels in the cambium tissue, just beneath the bark. This disrupts the flow of nutrients, killing the tree in typically 2-4 months.”
The question is, what is being done about them? We know that last year, the New York State Department of Transportation cut down thousands of dead trees along Montauk Highway. In addition, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation created fuel breaks and fire access roads.
On February 13, 2025, New York State held an important Community Meeting at the Montauk Downs, about tree work at Napeague State Park to address the Southern Pine Beetle infestation. They spoke about the phased dead tree removal efforts, trail safety improvements, and upcoming work to reduce wildfire fuel loads. Below is the Time line of work that has already been done, followed by an Overview of Upcoming Management – all of which was discussed at the meeting.
Fall 2021
- SPB detected at Napeague & Hither Hills
2022
- Suppression cuts and thinning by Parks & DEC to manage SPB
- November 30th: Northern long-eared bat is listed as federally endangered, triggering increased restrictions on tree cutting and other activities. Goes into effect March 31, 2023. • Tree cutting can only occur Dec 1 – Feb 28
- Activity limited June 1 – June 30
- On-site fuel management consultation with DEC Forest Health
- DOT begins tree removal along highway
- Prioritization and contract procurement for upcoming winter cutting window
- State Parks prioritizes development of emergency contract to protect private property in case of a wildfire
December 2023-February 2024
- Emergency contract to install 2 miles of fuel breaks to protect private homes
- On-site fuel management consultation with DEC Forest Health
- Contract to reduce ladder fuels via understory mastication
- Contract for continued tree felling with priority along trails
- Two Southern Pine Beetle Technicians start Marking of Trees for removal beginning December 1. Begin contract procurement for continued management.
Summary of 2021-2023 Southern Pine Beetle Management
Key project highlights include: • Creation of fuel breaks near homes adjacent to pitch pine forest. • Dead tree cutting along the Promised Land Trail and the Paumanok Path. • Piling of downed and cut trees and debris for disposal. • Development of a comprehensive Fuel Mitigation and Fire Management Plan in collaboration with a certified burn boss, DEC, local fire districts, and partners. • Continued development and implementation of a restoration plan to support resilient habitats. OPRHP will also discuss the environmental considerations guiding this work, such as compliance with federal protections for the Northern Long-eared Bat.
Tree Felling
- Completed felling of dead trees within 10 feet of the Paumanok Path & Promised Land trails to improve safety and access
- Trees were felled & left in place (off the trail) to maximize priority cutting work within the limited cutting window. Clean up contract to follow.
Understory Mowing
- Understory shrubs along the Bayview Ave fuel break were mowed to decrease ladder fuels. This location was identified due to a dense understory and proximity to homes.
Site Visits
- Chris Beckert & Brendan Prado visited the site with Park Manager Tim Watson & Environmental Stewardship Manager Walter Burak and made recommendations to improve access in the case of a wildfire
- DEC Forest Rangers Bryan Gallagher and Captain Tim Byrnes joined the group for a discussion about best practices for wildfire response and recommendations for Napeague
Upcoming Management – Overview
- Priority areas for cutting and clearing have been identified by local fire departments, DEC, Parks staff to increase safety and access. 2. Focus on cutting (& trail clearing) within limited tree cutting window. 3. Felled trees to be bucked and piled. Woody debris may also be chipped or removed from targeted sites. 4. Fuel Mitigation & Fire Management Plan development in coordination with partners and in consultation with a contracted burn boss. 5. Pile Burning: per DEC management recommendations. Pile burning will be implemented by a certified National Wildfire Coordinating Group Burn Boss with approved burn plan. 6. Prescribed Fire and Restoration: Long-term management to restore habitat and maintain reduced fuels.
Pile Creation
- Beginning March 2025: Pile downed trees along the Paumanok Path Multi-Year Cutting & Piling Contract
- Beginning Fall 2025: Cut dead trees during winter tree cutting windows & pile downed trees year-round
Long-term Restoration & Maintenance
- Restoration and maintenance of diverse and healthy maritime pitch pine dune woodlands habitat via:
- Thinning dense pine stands
- Fuel reduction
- Invasive species management
- Replanting and seeding
- Prescribed fire.
- Monitoring for rare plants and animals, and natural community response for adaptive management.
- Habitat restoration for rare species and transitioning natural communities (shrubland, dunes, wetlands)
