Pine engraver beetle and mountain pine beetle populations are on the rise in the northern Black Hills. What can forest landowners do about this invasive insect? SDSU Extension and USDA Forest Service staff will answer this question during a meeting on May 11, 2026, at the Recreation Center multi-purpose room in Spearfish (122 Recreation Lane) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. MT.
“Many landowners in the Northern Hills are noticing pockets of browning trees. These are due to infestations by one of the pine bark beetles. This is the time to start identifying infestations and beginning management to help reduce the impact for this year and next,” said John Ball, Professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist & South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist.
During the meeting, Ball and Kurt Allen, Rapid City USDA Forest Service Center Leader and Entomologist, will share where tree mortality is occurring in the region, what we expect to see this year, and what forest landowners can do to manage these beetles.
The meeting is open to the public. There is no fee or registration for the meeting. All are welcome and encouraged to bring questions.
If you have questions, contact John Ball, Professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist & South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist.
