By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the cancellation of proposed aerial management operations aimed at controlling the spongy moth population in several regions. This decision affects 12 areas within Anoka, Carlton, Itasca, St. Louis, and Winona counties, covering a total of 2,752 acres.
The spongy moth, known for its destructive impact on forests, is managed using Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), an insecticide effective only during a specific phase of the moth's life cycle in spring. The cancellation of these operations is due to the untimely release of necessary federal funds, which has jeopardized the success of ongoing efforts to curb this invasive pest.
Historically, the MDA, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service’s Slow the Spread program, has successfully managed over 1.1 million acres of forest in Minnesota, reducing the spread of the spongy moth by more than 60%. The absence of Btk treatment this year means that the moth populations are likely to increase and spread more rapidly into adjacent areas, complicating future management efforts and potentially increasing costs.
In response to these cancellations, the MDA is considering the implementation of temporary quarantines to prevent the human-assisted spread of the spongy moth. Restrictions may be applied to the movement of life stages of the moth or woody tree materials out of the affected areas.
Looking ahead, the MDA plans to manage spongy moth populations through alternative strategies, including the use of aerially applied mating disruption pheromones over 112,000 acres and conducting annual surveys to track population dynamics. These strategies are also dependent on federal funding, which remains uncertain for the year.
The state continues to monitor and advocate for effective management strategies to protect Minnesota’s forests and economy from the threats posed by the spongy moth. The ongoing challenge highlights the critical need for timely funding to support pest management efforts essential for maintaining the health of forest ecosystems and local economies.
Photo Credits:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General