campbell
11-03-2004, 07:41 PM
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has completed their 2004 survey for gypsy moth egg masses in Shannondale/River View Park and have found virtually no new egg masses. This means that we will NOT have to spray for gypsy moth caterpillars in Spring 2005. They have not yet surveyed the Appalachian Trail or DNR property which sometimes harbors the caterpillars, but no problems are anticipated for this year.
Despite this great news, the SGMC continues fund raising efforts for the following reasons:
1) We do not know from year to year how many acres may need to be sprayed for gypsy moths and how much money will be needed to complete the spraying. For example, it took nearly $24,000 to spray the areas of Shannondale and River View Park that needed it several years ago. Gypsy Moth caterpillars can rebound very quickly and although we have been free of these pests for several years now, it can change suddenly as it did between 1999 and 2000.
2) We do not know from year to year how much we will receive in contributions from landowners, and contributions vary widely each year.
3) Budget cuts, both Federal and State, continue to loom over the current gypsy moth program. Landowners pay 57% of the cost of spraying and the Feds pay 43%. If Federal funds get cut, the cost to landowners could increase significantly.
Remember! These terribly destructive caterpillars will eventually be back, so keep an eye out for them this summer. If you need a refresher course on what the life stages look like (larvae, pupae, moths, and egg masses) check out The Gypsy Moth Slide show on our web site. Thanks to all of you who have contributed this year! Your ongoing support is keeping our trees green and beautiful.
Despite this great news, the SGMC continues fund raising efforts for the following reasons:
1) We do not know from year to year how many acres may need to be sprayed for gypsy moths and how much money will be needed to complete the spraying. For example, it took nearly $24,000 to spray the areas of Shannondale and River View Park that needed it several years ago. Gypsy Moth caterpillars can rebound very quickly and although we have been free of these pests for several years now, it can change suddenly as it did between 1999 and 2000.
2) We do not know from year to year how much we will receive in contributions from landowners, and contributions vary widely each year.
3) Budget cuts, both Federal and State, continue to loom over the current gypsy moth program. Landowners pay 57% of the cost of spraying and the Feds pay 43%. If Federal funds get cut, the cost to landowners could increase significantly.
Remember! These terribly destructive caterpillars will eventually be back, so keep an eye out for them this summer. If you need a refresher course on what the life stages look like (larvae, pupae, moths, and egg masses) check out The Gypsy Moth Slide show on our web site. Thanks to all of you who have contributed this year! Your ongoing support is keeping our trees green and beautiful.