New York Keeps Up Fight Against Fungus That Kills Oak Trees

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials say they are taking aggressive steps to fight the spread of a devastating fungus that kills oak trees.

Oak wilt has been found on trees in different parts of the state since it was first spotted in 2008 in the Albany area.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says it is dedicating four additional staffers to monitor oak wilt this summer. The agency will conduct aerial surveys in July and September over the lower Hudson Valley and the Southern Tier.

There is no known treatment for oak wilt fungus other than to remove the infected trees.

Fifteen trees infected by oak wilt in New York last year have been removed.