evidence of red pine scale along Dinsmoor Woods

Red Pine Scale In Keene Parks

Table of Contents

Current Status

In spring 2026, the City harvested all red pine trees in Dinsmoor Woods along Maple Avenue to address the threat of red pine scale and protect the long-term health and safety of the forest. White pine, hemlock, oak, maple, and birch remain, and new growth is already emerging as the area begins to recover. Under the City’s 2026–2036 Forest Management Plan, the City will monitor the area, control invasive plants, and support the natural growth of a diverse, healthy forest with native trees and plants.

Impact & Management Information

Map of planned Red Pine Harvest in Dinsmoor Woods along Maple Avenue

Dinsmoor Woods – Comprehensive Forest Management Plan (October 2026)

  • Upon recommendation of the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF), this Forest Management Plan (FMP) documents post red-pine harvest conditions in Dinsmoor Woods along with management pathways that meet the conservation easement requirements and plan for natural native forest regeneration with invasive plant mitigation.

Dinsmoor Post-Harvest Woods Walk (July 9, 2026)

  • Thank you for joining Alex Barrett of Long View Forest and Ilissa Sargent of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for a post-harvest woods walk in Dinsmoor Woods Thursday, July 9 at 10am. Community members were able to ask questions about the management of the urban forest moving forward, learn more about what native species have started to regenerate, and understand that nature’s process will take time.

Dinsmoor Woods – Red Pine Harvest Video

  • coming soon courtesy of Hawkeye Aerial Media LLC

History and Information

  • Dinsmoor Woods Red Pine Harvest – Processing & Hauling (through mid-May 2026)
    • All red pine has been harvested; white pine, hemlock, oak, maple, and birch remain. Active harvesting occurred Monday April 27, 2026 through Friday May 1, 2026
    • Harvested red pine will be used locally: utility poles to Connecticut, sawlogs to Massachusetts, wood chips to New Hampshire & Vermont locations – used in wood-fired boilers to heat greater Keene buildings and also burned to generate electricity
  • Red Pine Scale Infestation Map
  • Red Pine Scale Pest Alert
  • Dinsmoor Woods Harvest FAQs (updated through June 22, 2026)
  • Dinsmoor Woods Abutter Letter (February 26, 2026)

Community Outreach

  • Radio Interview – NH State Forest Health Specialist, Ryan Crandall on WKBK Morning Show (April 20, 2026)
  • Dinsmoor “Woods Walk” (April 11, 2026 from 3:00-4:30pm)
  • Dinsmoor Harvest Radio Interview (2026) – WKBK Morning Show (April 7, 2026)
  • Educational Webinar – Community Conversations with State Foresters (October 7, 2025 6:00-6:30pm)
    • NH State Foresters Liz McKinley and Ryan Crandall, County Forester Dode Gladders, UNH Extension Foresters Steve Roberge and Jo Russavage, and Keene Parks & Recreation share the science of red pine scale, the history of red pine plantations, the impact of invasive pests and monocultures, the lifespan of red pine trees, and the necessary management of aging and diseased red pine trees in this 30-minute community conversation.
  • Red Pine Scale Walk & Talk – hosted by KPRD & NH State Foresters at Wheelock Park (April 6, 2025)
    • NH State Foresters Ryan Crandall and Liz McKinely, along with UNH Cooperative Extension Urban Forester Jo Russavage, led a walk and talk in April 2025 for approximately 20 Keene community members, including local foresters and loggers, park neighbors and park users, as well as local educators and neighborhood groups.
    • Wheelock Park Educational Tract and Informational signage show the community what harvesting looks like on a small scale.

City Council Presentations and Public Meetings

  • MSFI committee meeting with Long View Forest (March 25, 2026, video presentation including harvest plan)
  • MSFI Presentation (March 25, 2026, pdf presentation, including harvest plan)
  • City Council Presentation – MSFI committee presentation (December 4, 2024)
    • Joined by professional foresters, Keene Parks & Recreation provides full presentation of the Hurricane of 1938, the history of Keene’s red pines, the dangers of monoculture planting, notification of nearby Red Pine Scale, and anticipated harvests and ideas for how the community can positively impact the future of our forested park spaces.

Questions? Please call the Keene Parks & Recreation Department: 603-357-9829