Background: Gypsy moths are the worst forest insect pest ever introduced in the United States. The gypsy moth destroys millions of acres of trees where it is established in Eastern and Mid-Western states. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has successfully prevented the gypsy moth from becoming established in Washington for almost 40 years.
Current Control Efforts: In 2015, WSDA had an unusually large trapping of gypsy moths in Western Washington. To eradicate this pest, WSDA is proposing to treat seven sites in Western Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Kent, Nisqually, Lacey, and Vancouver. In all, more than 10,000 acres will be treated. The treatments will involve application of a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Btk, with helicopters or small planes over the sites. There will be 3 – 5 applications, each of which will be 4 – 10 days apart.
Potential Impact on Veterans: The noise from helicopters or low flying airplanes may be an issue for military veterans suffering from PTSD or other challenges. That is why WSDA would like to ensure veterans residing in the proposed treatment areas are aware of these plans.
Learn More and Sign Up for Notification: Veterans may visit www.agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth to learn more about the proposed treatment project and find maps of the proposed treatment areas. They may also click here to sign up for notifications vie e-mail, text message, or phone call. Notifications will be sent out shortly before each treatment.
Karla Salp
Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist
Washington State Department of Agriculture
PO Box 42560 |Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Cell: (360) 480-5397 |Office: (360) 902-2178
ksalp@agr.wa.gov |www.agr.wa.gov
Current Control Efforts: In 2015, WSDA had an unusually large trapping of gypsy moths in Western Washington. To eradicate this pest, WSDA is proposing to treat seven sites in Western Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Kent, Nisqually, Lacey, and Vancouver. In all, more than 10,000 acres will be treated. The treatments will involve application of a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Btk, with helicopters or small planes over the sites. There will be 3 – 5 applications, each of which will be 4 – 10 days apart.
Potential Impact on Veterans: The noise from helicopters or low flying airplanes may be an issue for military veterans suffering from PTSD or other challenges. That is why WSDA would like to ensure veterans residing in the proposed treatment areas are aware of these plans.
Learn More and Sign Up for Notification: Veterans may visit www.agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth to learn more about the proposed treatment project and find maps of the proposed treatment areas. They may also click here to sign up for notifications vie e-mail, text message, or phone call. Notifications will be sent out shortly before each treatment.
Karla Salp
Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist
Washington State Department of Agriculture
PO Box 42560 |Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Cell: (360) 480-5397 |Office: (360) 902-2178
ksalp@agr.wa.gov |www.agr.wa.gov