Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Tussock Moth near Rock Creek, BC

Treatments are planned by the BC government to deal with the Tussock Moth (see below). This insect attacks the Dougas-fir tree species, and has the potential to kill mature trees. It's too bad there wasn't a similar treatment that could be done for mountain pine beetle.

Locations and times are given where people can view the plan and treatment areas affected.

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TUSSOCK MOTH TREATMENT PLANNED FOR ROCK CREEK, MIDWAY

ROCK CREEK – The Ministry of Forests and Range has been issued a pesticide-use permit to aerially spray 300 hectares near Rock Creek and Midway to reduce the impact of Douglas-fir tussock moth populations on forests, farms and residential trees.

One application of TM Biocontrol-1 ® virus is planned between May 8 and June 18, 2010 to help control the moth’s spread. The virus is federally regulated, naturally occurring and specific to tussock moth caterpillars. As a biological spray, it is not harmful to people, pets, fish, bees or birds.

Pest management plans and maps for the treatment area, including sites near Ingram Creek and Rock Creek, can be viewed at the following times and locations until June 18:

· Midway Public Library (612 – 6th Ave., Midway): Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

· Arrow Boundary Forest District (845 Columbia Ave., Castlegar): Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Southern Interior Forest Region’s overall pest management plan and proposed treatment areas can be accessed at:


www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/ForestHealth/PDF/SIR_PMP_March%2011_2008.pdf

and

www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/ForestHealth/Tussock_Moth_Spray_2010.htm

The Douglas-fir tussock moth is a native species with caterpillars that consume a tree’s needles. Outbreaks can last up to four years and quickly spread to nearby areas, causing significant forest damage and tree mortality.

For more on the tussock moth, go to:

www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/ForestHealth/Tussock_Moth.htm

or email:

tussockmoth@gov.bc.ca


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