VOLUNTOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio)_ The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection plans to conduct a controlled burn of 122 acres of forest at Pachaug State Forest on Wednesday.
DEEP reports that around 90% of oak trees in this area have died due to years of gypsy moth defoliations, droughts, and chestnut borer infestations.
Officials say the large burn-off of the distressed oak and pine trees in this area will allow the trees to reseed naturally. DEEP's forestry division says on Tuesday it may seed pitch pine after the burns to increase the diversity and stocking of the new stand.
The plan has been communicated with the municipal leaders and fire departments representing Griswold and Voluntown. The park will be closed on Wednesday.
The last controlled burn at Pachaug State Forest was conducted in February 2019.
