[Archived] City Schedules March 12 Open House on the 2008 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 21, 2008 -- PIO#071-08/jlh
For More Information, Contact: Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078

City of Alexandria Schedules March 12 Open House on the 2008 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program

The public is invited to attend an open house to consider proposed options and to comment on the City's 2008 Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)Suppression Program on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Charles Barrett Recreation Center, 1115 Martha Custis Dr.

In the summer of 2007, 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 applications of the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late April or early May 2008. The area 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.

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.

In order 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 15, 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 e-mail Jerry Dieruf, Arborist, with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4999 ext. 451 (TTY 703.838.4902).

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