Parts Of Fire Island Closing To Fight Beetle Infestation

FIRE ISLAND, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Part of Fire Island will be closed as the National Park Service tries to rid the area of pine beetles.

The southern pine beetles have become a big problem on Long Island, killing tree after tree.

Listen to Parts Of Fire Island Closing To Fight Beetle Infestation

The only way to stop the insects, which are so small they fit on the tip of a fingernail, is by chopping down trees, according to experts.

Starting Monday, parts of Fire Island National Seashore will be closed for two weeks so 600 trees can be cut down.

The trees will be cut into small pieces so the beetles can be exposed to the elements and die.

A $97,500 grant from the U.S. Forest Service is being used.

A similar effort was conducted earlier this year on the east end of Long Island.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)