WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Redbay trees dying in SC, could be in danger across Southeast

Redbay trees dying in SC, could be in danger across Southeast

(Columbia, S.C.-AP) March 18, 2007 - A little used but ecologically important tree is dying in droves along the Southeast coast because of an insect imported through the ports from Asia.

The redbay typically serves as greenery in the 15-25 foot height range in coastal forests. But it is being killed by the redbay ambrosia beetle - an Asian import that likely came to the states in redbay wood used in packing crates.

The first beetle showed up in traps at Port Wentworth in Savannah, Georgia, in 2002.

This year, the beetles' handiwork is visible in South Carolina Hunting Island State Park. Last month, volunteers counted more than two-thousand dead trees near the park's roads and trails. Experts worry the entire population could be wiped out.

Damaged redbays have been found in 32 counties here and in Georgia and Florida.

Posted 4:41pm by Logan Smith