An Invasive Beetle That Has Killed Thousands Of Trees Is Inching Toward The Santa Monica Mountains. LA County Is Trying To Stop It

Los Angeles County supervisors on Tuesday ordered officials to draft regulations for firewood in an effort to prevent an invasive tree-killing beetle from spreading further into the region.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture identified the goldspotted oak borer in San Diego County in 2004. However, researchers suspect the bug traveled from Arizona to Southern California through firewood in the early ‘90s. Since then, it has killed at least 80,000 oak trees in San Diego County and at least 10,000 in Green Valley, a community in northern L.A. County.

The goldspotted oak borer has been identified in Santa Clarita and unincorporated Chatsworth, just 14 miles from reaching the rich oak forests in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Protecting those trees is essential, said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the motion.

“This motion takes steps to prevent an infestation of the goldspotted oak borer, recognizing how valuable oak trees are to the vitality of our forested areas,” Horvath said.

Oak trees are local to Southern California and can live for centuries, but the invasive beetle kills a tree in just three to six years. Oaks in Los Angeles County support the biodiversity of birds, mammals and hold deep cultural meaning for local tribes.

Fifth district Supervisor Kathryn Barger called the tiny beetle a big threat.

“I firmly believe our county needs to put its muscle behind proactively protecting our majestic oak forests from infection and deaths,” Barger said. “That starts with exploring if a state of emergency can be declared and assessing what funding is available to fuel our fight against the goldspotted oak borer. I can’t overstate the importance of protecting our oak forests. Once infected and close to death, oak trees become unstable and could possibly hit hikers or anyone passing by them. Human lives could be at stake, too.”

The motion also calls for the county to find funding for a deputy forester and two assistants to help with detection, monitoring and treatments.