DEM To Thin Trees In Arcadia Management Area

EXETER, RI — After years of devastation by gypsy moths, the Department of Environmental Management is working to rescue local trees. Throughout the summer months, crews will be working to thin trees in the Arcadia Management Area in an approximately 200 acres area. While it may seem counter-intuitive to cut down trees to save them, the project will encourage healthy growth and resiliency in the long term.

Gypsy moths devastated the local oak tree population through repeated years of severe defoliation, keeping the trees from properly growing and thriving. By thinning the canopy and removing dead ones, surviving trees will have the chance to grow and thrive in the years to come.

The project will be completed by DEM-supervised tree cutters who will use the harvested trees for wood chips, mulch and firewood.

The DEM is working on a community outreach project for timber harvesting projects such as the one in Exeter to keep the community and local officials informed of ongoing projects.