ST. PAUL, Minn. – To allow for further input from the
public, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is extending its comment
period on the proposed quarantine of gypsy moth for Lake and Cook counties. The
original 30-day comment period will be extended for another 15 days. The new
deadline for comments will be 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
The MDA is proposing a quarantine for Lake and Cook
counties to help slow the human-assisted spread of gypsy moth. In 2013, the MDA
captured a record 71,258 gypsy moths; 90 percent were located in Lake and Cook
counties. Extreme moth numbers and evidence that the species is established in
the area were factors in the Commissioner of Agriculture making the proposal.
The proposed quarantine language is available on
the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/gmquarantine. Written comments can be
submitted to: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Gypsy Moth Quarantine
Comments, 625 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55155 or emailed to: gypsy.moth@state.mn.us.
The MDA will respond to all comments received
during the 45-day period. The agency will also continue to consult with a wide
variety of stakeholders throughout the decision-making process. Changes may
then be made to the proposed quarantine language. Those with questions on the
quarantine proposal can contact MDA’s Arrest the Pest Hotline at 888-545-6684. The quarantine is scheduled to go
into effect April 30, 2014.
