Dedham on alert for invasive longhorn beetle

By Michele Morgan Bolton, Town Correspondent

Word of the discovery of an influx of destructive, invasive beetles in a handful of trees in Boston has also set off alarms in Dedham, just 5 miles away.

On Tuesday, the same day that six trees were felled at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Dedham selectmen chairwoman Sarah MacDonald said the town has kicked into action.

"The Asian longhorn beetle is obviously a very destructive little critter, so we intend to take all necessary precautions to protect Dedham's trees,'' MacDonald said.

Department of Public Works director Joe Flanagan, also the town's tree warden, has reached out to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation for the warning signs that indicate existence of the pest, patterns to watch out for, and information on the species in general, to learn as much as possible, MacDonald said.

While Dedham hasn't checked for the Asian longhorn beetle in the past, officials said workers will now begin to inspect the town's street tree inventory, specimens at the Endicott Estate, at town libraries, and in other public areas.

The good news, however, according to a story reported in today's Globe, is that the discovery in Jamaica Plain seems to be localized.

State and federal officials have indicated that the infestation appears to be less widespread than one that rocked Worcester two years ago and led to the destruction of 25,000 trees.

Michele Morgan Bolton can be reached at mmbolton1@verizon.net.