Pest treatment will close part of Starved Rock

A beautiful, tall and healthy ash tree can be destroyed by beetles in just a matter of years. An infestation of emerald ash borers at Starved Rock State Park is being attacked Thursday.

Officials with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be closing a portion of the park so an area can be sprayed. They’re using an experimental biological insecticide to treat two zones where ash trees are severally infested.

You won’t be able to reach the Lone Point Shelter/Illinois Canyon area and Parkman’s Plain. The rest of the park, including the Lodge, will be open.