Rep. Pascrell Announces $500,000 Federal Grant For Gypsy Moth Pest Control Management In New Jersey

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Funding will be used to share costs with municipalities for moth-controlling methods

October, 7, 2009 --
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today announced a federal grant of $500,000 to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for gypsy moth pest control management efforts throughout New Jersey. The funding was included in the House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2997) for fiscal year 2010, which passed by a 263-to-162 vote today.

“I’m thrilled by the federal government’s support for New Jersey’s efforts to protect the state’s forestry,” said Pascrell, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “This funding is vital to maintaining the quality of our residential areas and recreational parks, and it compliments efforts to preserve open spaces and improve the condition of other natural resources.”

The gypsy moth is an insect that is harmful to shade and forest trees. Its population fluctuates from year to year due to a variety of biological and weather-related factors. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture indicates that gypsy moth populations are building threatening state forests and parks, private lands, and municipal and county recreational areas. Aerial surveys conducted in 2008 showed nearly 340,000 acres of residential and forested areas lost at least 50 percent of leaf canopy and were seriously defoliated by caterpillars.

The gypsy moth suppression program is a cooperative effort among local governments, the state Department of Agriculture, the state Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. In 2009, 74 municipalities and local agencies are planning to participate in the program with more than 45,000 acres in 17 counties to be treated.

Funds from this appropriation will be used to:

-Cost share with municipalities on aerial treatments.
-Develop a web-based interactive online map showing the distribution of gypsy moths in New Jersey and proposed treatment areas.
-Technical support to municipalities, through additional state program staff (field scouts) and vehicles.

Source: Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr.