Barnstable County officials say entomologist engaged as pine beetle spreads across Cape

County officials told the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates that a newly observed pine beetle is threatening pitch-pine stands across the Cape and that the county’s entomologist is actively coordinating a regional response.

Commissioner Bergstrom described reports from Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard and said the county has offered services to towns, Joint Base Cape Cod and the National Park Service. "Our entomologist is fully engaged on this subject," Bergstrom said. He added that the county has sought grant funding from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Agriculture to support updated wildfire planning.

Why it matters: pitch-pine barrens are a dominant forest type in many Cape communities and provide habitat and coastal resilience benefits. Delegates warned that widespread tree mortality could have ecological and public-safety consequences and urged the county to share guidance with towns.

Delegates asked about both the beetle’s origin and potential mitigation. Deputy Speaker Gessen emphasized the insect’s rapid spread and the potential for "pretty catastrophic" impacts in areas dominated by pitch pines. The deputy speaker said, "...there's no known insecticide, there's no known natural predator ... so the potential for pretty catastrophic impact on certainly all parts of The Cape is very possible." (attributed to Commissioner Bergstrom during his report)

Several delegates pressed for specifics on coordination. Delegate O'Malley asked whether the county had information from the extension service or state partners to guide a regional response. Bergstrom said the county entomologist is in contact with counterparts in southern states where the insect appears to be migrating and that local tree wardens and DPW directors are engaged.

County staff said clearing around individual trees (maintaining space between trees) can slow beetle migration but that wholesale cutting of forest stands is not being recommended without further guidance. Bergstrom said the Vineyard had undertaken clearing in state forests to try to mitigate the pest’s spread.

What happens next: the Assembly did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting. Delegates encouraged staff to continue coordination and information-sharing with towns and federal partners.

Ending note: delegates characterized the issue as urgent and welcomed the county’s entomologist and wildfire-planning grants as steps toward regional preparation.