Southern pine beetles killing thousands of trees across Long Island 02:08. EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. -- An invasive beetle is forcing thousands of trees to be cut down on Long Island's East End.

The plan, which calls for an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 trees to be taken down, is designed to slow the spread of the invasive species in the county's Pine Barren region.

While trees have been removed, so far the southern pine beetle hasn't been stopped, Gorman said. "Conditions in the last year has enhanced the spread of the southern pine beetle," Gorman said.