One of the most pressing problems faced by the State Park Systems in Tennessee in recent years has been the invasion of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a small insect that attacks eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).  South Cumberland State Park on the Cumberland Plateau is near the southernmost extent of the eastern Hemlock’s range and contains large areas of old-growth hemlock forest within its coves. Although treatment options are available, costs can become prohibitory given the large number of trees that may be protected. In order to determine the best course of action for dealing with the spread and impact of the adelgid, the Parks had to first assess the distribution and abundance of the Hemlocks.