Hochul Pledges $2.2 Million To Fight Pine Beetle Damage, Wildfire Risk in Montauk Parks

Governor Kathy Hochul in Montauk on Friday, August 15. During a visit, she announced a $2.2 million contract to help combat southern pine beetle infestations in two local state parks. JACK MOTZ

The southern pine beetle attacks pitch pines, which are essentially a monoculture at Napeague State Park. East Hampton Town officials detected the first pine beetle in the town borders in 2017. A few years later, the pine beetle continued its march east toward Napeague and Hither Hills state parks. DOUG KUNTZ

The southern pine beetle attacks pitch pines, which are essentially a monoculture at Napeague State Park. East Hampton Town officials detected the first pine beetle in the town borders in 2017. A few years later, the pine beetle continued its march east toward Napeague and Hither Hills state parks. DOUG KUNTZ

The southern pine beetle attacks pitch pines, which are essentially a monoculture at Napeague State Park. East Hampton Town officials detected the first pine beetle in the town borders in 2017. A few years later, the pine beetle continued its march east toward Napeague and Hither Hills state parks. DOUG KUNTZ

The southern pine beetle attacks pitch pines, which are essentially a monoculture at Napeague State Park. East Hampton Town officials detected the first pine beetle in the town borders in 2017. A few years later, the pine beetle continued its march east toward Napeague and Hither Hills state parks. DOUG KUNTZ

Dead pine trees stand among healthy oak trees near the intersection of Old Montauk Highway and Montauk Highway. Since 2021, the southern pine beetle has ravaged pine forests in Napeague and Hither Hills state parks. The pine beetle arrived on Long Island in 2014. DOUG KUNTZ