Parks & Recreation

Red Pine Scale FAQs

Last updated 6/22/26

What about the Stumps?

The harvesting process will leave red pine tree stumps in place, which will remain as part of the natural landscape. This approach supports the regeneration of a healthy, diverse native understory by not disturbing the root systems of the native trees that surround the red pine stumps. Removing the stumps would require additional permits and fees due to increased soil disturbance; they are intentionally left undisturbed as part of the project plan.

What about wildlife?

Dinsmoor Woods is an urban forest that straddles a busy roadway, which adds another layer of urgency and responsibility when it comes to public safety. While late fall or winter is often preferable for this type of work, timing is also influenced by practical factors such as contractor availability, school vacation schedules, and the coordination required to carry out the work safely and responsibly. Those steps – assessment, scheduling, and communication can sometimes extend projects beyond the ideal seasonal window. Minimizing impact remains a priority, and we recognize that this work – and the forest’s recovery – will take time and care. Crews will follow established best management practices to reduce disturbance as much as possible and to remain mindful of surrounding habitat throughout the work.

What about habitats?

We’ve spoken with the State Wildlife Biologist, who confirmed that while there may be some short-term habitat disruption, this work supports long-term habitat improvement. With the red pine trees already in decline – due to red pine scale, monoculture risks like root rot, and natural lifespan – wildlife has already been transitioning elsewhere. Our focus is to support regeneration of a more diverse, resilient forest while keeping the area safe and accessible. We are committed to minimizing impacts where possible and will have contact information available for a local wildlife rehabilitator (small mammals and birds) if needed during the harvest. Contractors are also required to pause work and follow state guidance if active nests or animals are encountered.

What about red pine trees on private property?

We recommend you monitor for signs and symptoms of Red Pine Scale (most obvious sign is the “rusting” of the needles at the base of the crown of the tree). If you suspect Red Pine Scale, contact NH Bugs (nhbugs.org).The next consideration is the number of red pine trees on your property. For site visits, the number of red pine trees matters: contact a local arborist for a small stand or contact the UNH Extension Cheshire County (603.352.4550)/UNH Cooperative Extension (877.398.4769) for a larger stand of impacted trees (5+ acres).

What about developing Dinsmoor Woods? Are there easements to honor?

Dinsmoor Woods will always be an urban forest; there are no plans to develop the area for additional housing, commercial entities, or any other purpose. There are multiple easements within Dinsmoor Woods managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. The City and SPNHF recognize the necessity of this harvest, the easement language allowing the harvest (tree disease/death), and the management plan after the harvest (allowing the rich understory of native and diverse trees to grow back while also weeding and managing invasives) as part of this work.

What about Wheelock Park?

The red pines in Wheelock Park are also infested with Red Pine Scale. Due to the advanced deterioration in Dinsmoor Woods, the Dinsmoor harvest holds priority. Wheelock Park harvesting will take place in the early winter of 2027. Keene Parks & Recreation, along with forestry professionals, will be engaging the community beginning this summer. Wheelock Park red pine monocultures have little to no understory, requiring creative and thoughtful planning for how to diversify the park’s wooded spaces with native species and greater tree canopies.

What about Robin Hood and Ladies Wildwood Park?

The red pine in Ladies WIldwood Park (across the street from the Wheelock Park entrance) will be harvested at the same time as Wheelock Park. This change will be evident as there is a substantial pocket of red pine near the Arch Street-Park Avenue intersection. The red pine in Robin Hood Park are not in a distinct pocket, nor in a monoculture planting without any other species. The Clty will continue to monitor the red pine health at Robin Hood Park, taking down diseased red pine that pose as a safety risk for park users when necessary.

How was the logging company selected?

The City followed a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process, developed with input from professional foresters who defined the scope of work. Seven companies attended a required on-site meeting, and three submitted proposals. The selected company demonstrated the strongest understanding of the project, along with the experience and equipment needed to complete it safely and effectively. The work will be completed at no cost to the City.

Why is the City not replanting right away?

Immediate replanting is not part of this project. The goal is to remove trees impacted by invasive red pine scale and create conditions for the forest to recover naturally. In many areas throughout Dinsmoor Woods, native trees and plants already in the soil will begin to regrow on their own. The City will monitor conditions, manage invasive species, and consider targeted planting if needed in the future. This approach supports a healthier, more resilient forest over time.