SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane is taking action to combat a pine bark beetle infestation affecting trees across the city, including those in parks and street rights-of-way, the city announced.
Katie Kosanke, an urban forester with Spokane Parks & Recreation, explained that the beetles have been identified with the help of a Washington Department of Natural Resources entomologist.
“Unfortunately, infected trees don’t have a chance of survival and need to be proactively removed,” said Kosanke.
Efforts to manage the infestation will continue through winter 2026 at locations such as Whitewater Disc Golf Course, Downriver Golf Course, Indian Canyon Golf Course, Hamblen Park, Manito Park and Lincoln Park.
The city plans to replant seedlings at many affected sites in 2026 in partnership with Spokane Ponderosa. Additionally, a public workshop is scheduled for the spring, with collaboration from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Residents can attend a special Urban Forestry Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 10 at noon at the Woodland Center at Finch Arboretum. Public comments are welcome, and those unable to attend can submit comments via email to urbanforestry@spokanecity.org.
