Beech trees imperiled

By Mindy Todd ,

Amy Vince

Published October 6, 2026 at 10:50 AM EDT

Leaves infected with beech leaf disease.

Leaves heavily impacted by Beech Leaf Disease that have begun to curl.

American beech, European beech and Copper beech are all susceptible to beech leaf disease, which eventually kills the tree. We’re seeing the impacts of the disease in individual trees and in our coastal beech forests. We discuss the what, if anything, can be done, and what the long term impacts could be on the forest ecosystem. Joining us:

Jim Rassman, Forester with the Department of Conservation and Recreation
Mark Faulkenberry, Forest Health Specialist with DCR

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The Point Ecology

Mindy Todd

Mindy Todd is the host and producer of <i>The Point</i> on WCAI which examines critical issues for Cape Cod and the Islands. She brings more than 40 years of experience in radio and television to WCAI.

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Amy Vince

Amy has worked at WCAI since 2001. After 11 years in the WCAI development department, she shifted gears and became producer for The Point with Mindy Todd. She enjoys the challenges of producing a daily public affairs program and the opportunity to research and learn about the wide variety of topics covered by the program. Before coming to WCAI, Amy spent nearly a decade sailing offshore as a mate on sailing school oceanographic research vessels. She lives in Falmouth with her husband and son.

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