A fast-moving tree disease has locked down entire towns in two counties, according to state officials. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation placed South Bristol, Middlesex and Italy — plus parts of Bristol and Naples — under quarantine after confirming oak wilt infections.
Crews found the fungus at seven sites, including three inside High Tor Wildlife Management Area. Officials cut infected trees, removed nearby oaks, treated stumps with herbicide and chipped or burned wood to stop the spread.
Oak wilt kills red oaks within weeks and spreads through roots, beetles and transported firewood. The quarantine bans moving oak wood unless properly processed. DEC will monitor the area and conduct aerial surveys for at least five years.
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