BLACK PINE TREES CLEARED IN AVALON DUE TO BEETLE INFESTATION

On Tuesday and Wednesday about 210 Japanese black pine trees were cut down in the Borough of Avalon by their Department of Public Works and a local landscaping company. Borough officials claim the trees needed to be removed due to an infestation of southern pine beetles. The tree removal was concentrated along the dune paths on 48th and 50th Streets, and was funded by a $24,000 federal grant. Opponents claim the trees were healthy and an important part of one of the last remaining maritime forests in New Jersey.