The Prescott National Forest will undergo thinning operations with hopes of squashing one pest that’s plagued the area for years.

When trees are in a weakened state, such as by drought, bark beetles take advantage.

They burrow into the layer where new bark is produced, and lay their eggs, effectively killing the tree.

The Prescott National Forest will thin 76 acres of land in order to reduce bark beetle outbreaks and improve the health of the forest.

The project is focused in the Chino Valley Ranger District, where the operation is expected to last for 2 months.