The City Council of Keene, New Hampshire, convened a special meeting on December 4, 2024, to address the growing threat of the red pine scale, an invasive pest impacting local community parks. Cara Fitzkenesi, the director of parks and recreation, led the discussion, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the pest has been confirmed in nearby areas, including the Yale Forest in Swansea.

The red pine scale poses a significant risk to the region's red pine population, which is already nearing the end of its natural lifespan of 85 to 95 years. Fitzkenesi highlighted that the monoculture of red pines in parks like Wheelock Park and Dinsmore Woods exacerbates the threat, as the pest thrives in such environments, leading to rapid tree decline and death. Historical context was provided, noting that the red pines were originally planted in the aftermath of the 1938 hurricane, and now face a new challenge from this invasive species.

Experts Bill Davidson from the New Hampshire Forest Health Program and Joe Savage from UNH Cooperative Extension joined Fitzkenesi to discuss potential strategies for managing the infestation. They noted that infected forests have never successfully recovered, underscoring the need for proactive measures. The council is considering a pilot project to harvest a tract of red pine in Wheelock Park, which would serve both as an educational opportunity and a means to mitigate the pest's impact.

The meeting also explored innovative approaches to forest management, including the concept of hugelkultur, which involves using waste wood products to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Additionally, the idea of creating pocket forests was proposed, which would involve planting diverse, native species in urban areas to improve green infrastructure and community well-being.

As the council moves forward, they plan to engage the community through workshops and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the red pine scale and its implications for local parks. The discussions highlighted the importance of sustainable forestry practices and the need for a comprehensive strategy to protect Keene's natural resources from invasive threats. The council's commitment to addressing this issue reflects a broader understanding of the ecological, economic, and social functions that healthy forests provide to the community.