Lincoln Studying Idea Of Spraying Against Tree-Damaging Bugs

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) – The Lincoln National Forest is considering spraying areas infested with tree-damaging insects. But forest officials say spraying might have little success in slowing the infestation.

Forest officials say spraying could kill beneficial insects and affect sensitive species such as the checkerspot butterfly in the defoliated area. Forest officials say there will be no large-scale spraying right away.

The geometrid moth caterpillar has affected 12,433 acres of the Lincoln as of April 27th.

Forest Service officials expect to do another evaluation June First. Stands of white fir have been infected by the fir engraver beetle. But the Forest Service has not said how many acres have been hit.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-05-14-07 1242EDT