ST. PAUL, Minn ~ March 4, 2008 Once again gypsy moth, a non-native invasive insect, threatens forested areas along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Cook and Lake Counties
In response, the Forest Service and Minnesota Department of Agriculture are proposing treatments on blocks of land in Cook and Lake Counties to slow the spread of gypsy moth. Lower intensity treatments, applied now, may
avoid harsher treatments in the future which have the potential for more adverse environmental impacts.
MDA to tackle gypsy moth infestations in Cook and Lake Counties
Information sessions set for March 10-12 in Grand Portage, Hovland,
Grand Marais and Silver Bay
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) gears up for another summertime battle against gypsy moths, the
department is inviting people to learn about the effort at informational meetings March 10-12 in Cook and Lake Counties.
Gypsy moth is a destructive tree pest that has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests as it has spread from New England to Wisconsin. MDA maintains a statewide monitoring program to watch for
start-up infestations, and when an infestation is found, officials move in to eradicate the pests before they can spread. Over the past 30 years, MDA has successfully treated more than 65 infestations in communities such as Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park, Schroeder and Tower. While MDA conducted successful treatments in 2006 along Lake Superior, the department’s 2007 monitoring program found several new
infestations in Lake and Cook counties.
MDA has developed plans to conduct treatments in six zones called treatment “blocks.” Due to high moth concentrations on the Grand Portage Reservation, MDA proposes to use a biological insecticide called
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) for one block covering 4,959 acres. Btk targets the moth’s larval stage of development in late May and early June. Caterpillars die after feeding on leaves treated with
Btk. MDA proposes to treat the remaining 79,990 acres using a method of mating disruption. This treatment involves the application of a synthetic “mimic” that confuses male gypsy moths so they are unable to
find females for mating. Application is timed just as the moths emerge from their pupae in late July or early August.
While MDA has lead responsibility for gypsy moth treatment and eradication, the department works in close partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a
host of local and non-profit partners. Before conducting a treatment, MDA submits proposals to other agencies for review of any potential effects on threatened and endangered species and for any impacts on historical sites.
As indicated in the announcement below, a series of public open houses are scheduled where agency specialists will be available to explain the proposed treatments and answer questions. Interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed treatments.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Date Location
Time
Monday, March 10 Grand Portage Casino
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11 Hovland Town Hall (Hovland) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11 Cook County Courthouse (Grand Marais) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 12 Tettegouche State Park 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 12 Silver Bay Recreation Center (Silver Bay) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Additional information regarding proposed treatments on Superior National Forest lands is available at: www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior
Information regarding proposed treatments on other ownerships is available
at: www.mda.state.mn.us/gypsymoth