In 2023, a severe drought in Mississippi triggered a pine beetle outbreak which caused a large number of pine trees to die along the Natchez Trace Parkway / NPS file

On August 26, work will begin to fell hazardous trees along Natchez Trace Parkway in Clinton, Ridgeland, and Madison, Mississippi. The National Park Service hired professional arborists to assess and remove potential hazard trees after a prolonged drought allowed a pine beetle infestation that killed a significant number of trees in 2023.

According to atlantaarbor.com, pine beetles “target weakened or stressed trees, burrowing into the inner bark to lay their eggs and feed on the tree’s nutrients. If left uncontrolled, pine beetle infestations significantly damage pine forests … When adults successfully attack a new host tree, they produce a pheromone that attracts other beetles, overwhelming the tree’s defenses and the potential for the infestation to spread to nearby trees.”

“The National Park Service preserves forest habitat for all plants and animals, however the drought caused many hazardous trees for our neighbors,” said Natural Resource Program Manager Deanna Boensch, “The trees will be removed to protect life and property. Once the trees are felled to the ground, they will be allowed to decompose naturally providing habitat for wildlife.” 

At Natchez Trace Parkway most of the trees impacted by the drought were loblolly pines. The stress caused by the drought allowed the pine beetle to infest and kill the trees. Common throughout the southeastern United states, these pines provide habitat and food for birds and small mammals. These trees are among the many plants and animals that contribute to the scenery and beauty of Natchez Trace Parkway. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.