Georgia’s Red Bay trees are dying and so far scientists can’t do anything to stop it.

Eight years ago scientists trapped a tiny ambrosia beetle near the Port of Savannah. They believe it came to Georgia in wood packing material from overseas.

The beetles found their way into Red Bay trees and transmitted a devastating fungus. James Johnson with the Georgia Forestry Commission says in 2004 the once prolific trees started dying in Savannah and on Jekyll Island.

“Today 6 years later in 2010 and we have 7 ½ -million acres of Georgia’s Coastal Plain forests that you can find Laurel Wilt. In areas that have been impacted 2 or 3 years you can’t even find a Red Bay.”

The fungus has spread to South Carolina, Mississsippi, and Florida where it threatens the avocado crop. The tree is also essential for the survival of some swallowtail butterflies.

Johnson says he would like to see more agricultural inspections done by the Federal Government at the port to protect Georgia from invasive pests and the diseases they carry.

Tags: Port of Savannah, Red Bay tree, Laurel Wilt, Ambrosia Beetle. Georgia Forestry Commission, James Johnson