RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - While some critics say the U.S. Forest
Service isn't doing enough to address the pine beetle problem in
South Dakota's Black Hills, others think the federal agency is
going too far.
The Defenders of the Black Hills environmental group met in
Rapid City over the weekend to talk about several concerns.
Members criticized plans by the state and federal governments to
control pine beetles with logging and tree-thinning.
Supporters say cutting down beetle-infested trees before the
beetles can reproduce and spread can help contain the insects.
The Defenders of the Black Hills says loggers are using the
beetle epidemic to get into new areas, and in doing so are
destroying trees and animal habitat.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-12-19-11 0728EST
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