State conservation officials have made plans to cut down a stand of pest-ridden pine trees in the northwestern section of the Manuel F. Correllus state forest, after finding an infestation of the southern pine beetle earlier this summer.

Dry conditions, flammable native plants and encroaching development make the state forest at the heart of Martha’s Vineyard highly susceptible to wildfire, and officials are urging homeowners to help mitigate the risks.

Though it has nutrient poor soil and its scrub oak prairies are prone to wildfires, the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest has, against all odds, flourished as a refuge of biodiversity.

Shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday a single-engine plane went down in an area about a mile west of Martha’s Vineyard Airport. The pilot, who was the only one on board, was uninjured during the emergency landing.

A comprehensive review of correspondence between the state DCR and staff and board members of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation shows all were closely involved with an aggressive trail cutting project.

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation have finalized an agreement to close and restore more than 25 miles of trails that were illegally cut.

A long trail of good intentions that began with a once-promising partnership between the state and Sheriff’s Meadow ended with an announcement that 25 miles of unpermitted trails would be closed.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation plans to immediately close some 25 miles of unpermitted trails that were carved into the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has scheduled a public hearing date to air a final remediation plan for unpermitted trail clearing.

Filling a long-term vacancy, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation has hired Conor Laffey of Falmouth as the new superintendent for the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.