The native insect that feasts on the short-lived conifers has exploded throughout much of the state’s northeastern region at a level not seen since 1961 The eastern spruce budworm — a native ...

After the Legislature failed to pass $2 million in emergency funding, spraying this spring will cover only about 85% of the area threatened by the forest pest.

Six or more per branch is considered a hotspot. Spruce budworm is a native moth whose population explodes every 40 years or so, making it one of the most damaging forest pests in North America.