RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP / ST. HELEN – The Roscommon County Gypsy Moth Suppression Program staff is hosting an open house on March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Richfield Township Hall, located at 1410 N. M-76 in St. Helen.
<span “=””>Gypsy moths are invasive insects that attack more than 300 different types of trees and shrubs, with oak being the preferred species. In its caterpillar stage, the larva feeds heavily on the leaves of trees and shrubs limiting their ability to photosynthesize. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies.
<span “=””>Organizations attending the event include: A.R.K. – Association To Rescue Kritters; Al’ Aerial Spraying, LLC.; Blodgett Memorial Airport; Crawford/Roscommon Conservation District; Huron Pines AmeriCorps; Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve; Michigan State University Natural Resources Educator; Michigan Department Of Natural Resources ‘ Division (s): Fire & Forest Resources, Parks & Recreation, and Law Enforcement (Conservation Officer); Roscommon County Solid Waste & Recycling; St. Helen Chamber Of Commerce; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Valent Biosciences Corporation (Manufacturer Of Foray 48B).
<span “=””>There will also be projects available for the younger children at the Kids Event Table.
<span “=””>Reasons why you should attend this Open House:
<span “=””>Ask the Experts – We will have 16 Prominent Service Groups (see above list) including the local gypsy moth experts available to answer your questions and discuss their mission and goals in addition to the gypsy moths proposed treatment, and treatment product.
<span “=””>Educate Yourself – We’ll have a separate table for each service group member(s) where you can learn about various aspects of their work. Who knows, you may want to join, volunteer or even work for one or more of these wonderful Service Groups.
<span “=””> <span “=””>Stay in the Know / Share Your Concerns – Talk to one or all service staff about any concerns you have regarding their many on-going projects.
<span “=””>Share the Knowledge – Take some of our handouts and help educate your family, neighbors and friends by learning the facts about the work each group poses to our environment.
<span “=””>Don’t Be Surprised – Find out what is going on in your community or maybe out your back door and what to expect so you are prepared.
<span “=””> <span “=””>Watch It – Take a few minutes to watch the Gypsy Moth Department video about the gypsy moth to appreciate why it is such a terrible pest.
<span “=””>The Gypsy Moth Suppression department mails a postcard to each landowner whose property is within a treatment spray block notifying them of the Foray48B aerial application. This insecticide treatment will take place between mid-May or as late as mid-June and will be for a minimum of one day.
<span “=””>The exact time and date of treatment applications cannot be determined in advance. The timing of treatment is dependent on insect development and environmental conditions. The treatment is not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish. All treatments will be applied from an aircraft flown approximately 50 to 100 feet above the tree tops.
<span “=””>Citizens who cannot attend the open house and would like to provide official comment to one of the service groups or about the proposed treatment blocks should send correspondence to the department by March 22, 2017. Letters can be sent by e-mail to gypsymoth@roscommoncounty.net or by hard copy to the attention of the Gypsy Moth Suppression Program, Roscommon County, 500 Lake Street, Roscommon, MI<span “=””> <span “=””>48653.
<span “=””>For more info visit roscommoncounty.net/gypsymoth.
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