Landowners Can Apply for Help with Pine Beetles

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture will begin taking applications next week from landowners who want help in identifying trees infested by mountain pine beetles.

Landowners can apply for the help between Aug. 19 and Sept. 13.

Landowners who have their property surveyed will receive information on the location and number of infested trees, but it's up to landowners' to have infested trees treated.

There is no guarantee the state will survey a landowner's property. Last year, the state was not able to service all requests because of the overwhelming number of applications.

The surveying and marking service is provided for Black Hills landowners with parcels exceeding 10 acres. Landowners with smaller parcels may form groups with neighbors to meet the acreage requirement.

Landowners can apply online.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.