County of Monmouth
For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2008
 
County preparing 2008 gypsy moth spray program
March 26th spring forum to focus on how towns, homeowners can battle pests
 
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission will hold its Annual Spring Forum featuring the county’s 2008 planned gypsy moth spray program at 7 p.m. on March 26 at the Monmouth County Agriculture Building, 4000 Kozloski Rd., Freehold.
 
A gypsy moth catepillar“Gypsy moths continue to damage trees on hundreds of acres of forest throughout Monmouth County,” Freeholder William C. Barham said. “The gypsy moth problem is cyclical, and the county’s Shade Tree Commission has been on top of the situation since the reappearance of the gypsy moth caterpillars in 2005. The situation would be far worse had the county not resumed spraying.”
 
Homeowners and town representatives who attend the Spring Forum will learn how to deal with gypsy moths to minimize the damage from these and other pests. 
 
“This year’s program will focus on pest problems – specifically how towns and homeowners can understand and tackle gypsy moths, other insect problems and tree diseases,” said John W. Tobia, director of the county’s Department of Public Works & Engineering. “We will focus on ways in which we can all work together to keep damage caused by gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation to a minimum.”
 
The Spring Forum will begin with a welcome and opening remarks by Tobia, and introductions will be made by Shade Tree Commission Chairwoman Arlene Stump. Forum topics include:
 
  • New Jersey’s gypsy moth program and spray block program in Monmouth County – Joseph Zoltowski, Chief, Bureau of Plant, Pest & Disease Control, NJ Department of Agriculture.
 
  • Monmouth County’s 2008 aerial suppression program, and what homeowners can do to control these pests – Brian Gosnell, Monmouth County gypsy moth coordinator.
 
  • Pest Problems Heading Our Way – What to Expect and How to Prepare – Richard Obal, County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension Service. This program will focus on new invasive pests heading to New Jersey and describe strategies to prepare and minimize the impact of these new pests.
 
The Annual Spring Forum is open to all Monmouth County residents. Those planning to attend are urged to register with the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission by calling (732) 431-7903. Spraying is scheduled to begin in May when the caterpillars become active.

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