HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05.b
Date: February 4, 2019 Item No.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GYPSY MOTH TREATMENT IN
LAKEVILLE
Proposed Action
No action is required. Presentation by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is for
the purpose of notifying City Council of the proposed treatment.
Overview
The MDA is proposing a plan to treat and eradicate a reproducing gypsy moth population in the
City of Lakeville and Credit River Township. The proposed treatment area is 133 acres, located
on the western border of Lakeville southwest of Ritter Farm Park and straddles Judicial Road
with approximately 27 acres located in Credit River Township.
Gypsy moth is a state and federally regulated forest pest, not native to the U.S., that can feed on
over 300 species of trees and shrubs. The result is widespread defoliation. The MDA has state
authority to abate and control invasive pests that threaten our environmental quality of life. To
date, the MDA has treated just under 1 million acres within the state since 1980. Last year aerial
applications occurred within the cities of Minneapolis, Duluth, and Two Harbors.
A site specific environmental assessment (EA) will be conducted on the site before any aerial
applications occur. The EA process will involve Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that no threatened or endangered species are
negatively impacted by the project.
Primary Issues to Consider
• What pesticide will be used? For the Lakeville site, MDA is proposing to use Bacillus
thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk). Btk is specific to moth and butterfly caterpillars that are
actively feeding at the time of application and will not have toxic impacts to birds, mammals,
fish, honeybees, nor humans
• How will the pesticide be applied? The Btk will be applied by low flying aircraft in May 2019.
There will be two applications spaced 10 to 14 days apart.
Supporting Information
• A map of the proposed treatment area is attached.
Financial Impact: 0 Budgeted: Source:
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Envision Lakeville Community Values: Access to Natural Resources and Recreational Opportunities
Report Completed by: Neil Normandin, Interim Public Works Director