CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners have voted to participate in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Gypsy Moth Suppression Program. The Clearfield County Conservation District has been named as Coordinators for this program.
Based on an aerial survey, the main areas of Clearfield County that are defoliated by the Gypsy Moth appear to be on the eastern edge of the county, along the Centre County line. Oak species are typically favored by the Gypsy Moth; however, they are also fond of numerous other species including apple, alder, aspen, basswood, birch, poplar, willow, hawthorn, hemlock, tamarack, pine, spruce, and witch hazel.
Spraying will take place in the spring of 2008, but residents who are interested in having their property sprayed for Gypsy Moth should contact the Clearfield County Conservation District at 765-2629 no later than Sept. 21.
The cost established by the state for the aerial spraying is $17 per acre. Clearfield County Commissioners will offset this amount by half, resulting in a landowner cost of $8.50 per acre. This amount will be due by Nov. 1 of this year. The minimum spray block size is 25 acres, so neighbors may wish to band their acreage together to qualify.
The purpose of the program is not to eradicate the species, rather to limit the defoliation of our forested area. The bacterial insecticide known as “Bt” will be used to combat the young gypsy moth caterpillars and help prevent additional infestation.
Complete guidelines and additional information may be obtained by contacting the Conservation District at 765-2629 or visiting our Web site.