(The Center Square) — The Louisiana Legislature’s Emergency Beetle Subcommittee met on Oct. 24 to address the growing crisis of dying and rotting trees across Louisiana, many of which are afflicted by pine beetle infestations and prolonged drought.
The meeting outlined efforts to manage the risks these weakened trees pose, especially for low-income communities, and announced new initiatives to assist homeowners and municipalities with removal.
In partnership with the Louisiana Arborist Association, Daryn Bovard of Community Tree, a nonprofit organization, presented a program that would allow eligible low-income households to apply for grants to remove hazardous trees.
“Our goal is to prevent these trees from becoming a public danger, especially in areas hardest hit by drought and beetle infestations,” Bowvard explained.
Community Tree’s website, www.arboristsla.org, will serve as an informational hub for the program, offering an initial contact point and apply for grant applications.
Alongside this effort, several state agencies are mobilizing to mitigate the hazards posed by these trees. Special Counsel Emily Andrews, representing the governor’s office, testified that an executive order had been issued to expedite emergency response.
“We’ve been working with multiple agencies — including the Department of Transportation and Development, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU Ag Center, and GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness) — to coordinate removal efforts and provide local governments with the necessary resources,” Andrews said.
Among the measures discussed was the temporary relaxation of certain Department of Environmental Quality regulations. A new variance allows for open burning of wood waste, providing a quick solution for disposing of beetle-infested and drought-impacted trees in areas where local conditions permit.
To support this, the state has waived the typical $500 application fee for open burn permits and has directed the DEQ to waive annual transport fees for wood waste — a move expected to aid municipalities and private citizens alike. This waiver is likely to remain in effect for a year.
Wade Dubea, the Louisiana state forester and assistant commissioner of forestry, emphasized that burn applications will be assessed based on weather conditions, ensuring public safety remains a priority.
“We’ll review these applications carefully to avoid unintended consequences. There should be a clear plan in place,” he said.
Local utilities are also part of the initiative. CLECO and Entergy have invested in clearing trees around power lines to reduce fire hazards and power disruptions.
Residents concerned about hazardous trees are encouraged to consult the Louisiana Arborists Association for resources and eligibility information on Community Tree’s removal grants.
