[Archived] City of Alexandria to Hold Open House On 2008 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program

The public is invited to attend a public open house to consider proposed options and to comment on the City's 2008 Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Suppression Program on Tuesday, December 11 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. at the Charles Barrett Recreation Center, 1115 Martha Custis Dr. After the open house, the City’s Arborist Office will make a recommendation to City Council at its public hearing on Saturday, December 15.

This summer, a Gypsy Moth Egg Mass Survey was conducted throughout the City. The survey indicated that an approximately 100-acre area in Beverley Hills qualifies for a single aerial application of the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late April or early May 2008. Bt is a biological insecticide that kills only caterpillars. It is harmless to human beings and other mammals, as well as birds, fish, and other animals. The area being considered for Bt application is roughly bounded by South Overlook Drive and Pulman Place on the north, Old Dominion Boulevard and Washington Circle on the east, Allison Street on the south, and Wellington Road on the west.

To qualify for assistance from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City must prepare and submit a gypsy moth suppression proposal. Written comments regarding Alexandria’s Gypsy Moth Suppression Program may be submitted until March 10, 2008. Comments may be submitted in writing to:

State Entomologist
VDACS/Office of Plant Protection
c/o Alexandria Gypsy Moth Office
1108 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, please call Jerry Dieruf at 703.838.4999 extension 451 (TTY 703.838.4902), or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov.