WHELAN GYPSY MOTH PREVENTION BILL ADVANCES

WHELAN GYPSY MOTH PREVENTION BILL ADVANCES
Measure Would Help Municipalities Fight Gypsy Moth Defoliation

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblyman Jim Whelan crafted to combat the spread of gypsy moths in New Jersey was released from an Assembly committee.

"Gypsy moths are an absolute plague upon the landscape," said Whelan.  "Atlantic County was hit particularly hard this year by new gypsy moth populations.  We need to give municipalities greater leeway to fight this defoliating scourge."

The legislation (A-4491) would provide an exemption under the municipal caps law to allow municipalities to appropriate funds to pay for the abatement and suppression of gypsy moths to protect plant life on public and private lands and premises.

According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, many towns were unable to conduct programs to spray for gypsy moths this year because the cost of prevention would have forced them over their municipal spending cap limits.  Gypsy moths have caused problems across the state in counties from Sussex to Middlesex to Atlantic.

"As a former mayor, I understand the challenges that towns face when making spending decisions," said Whelan, a former three-term mayor of Atlantic City.  "Gypsy moth control is a costly and difficult expense to anticipate since the spread of these pests varies from year to year."

According to the USDA Forest Service, the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is one of North America's most devastating forest pests.  The gypsy moth feeds on the foliage of hundreds of species of plants in North America, but its most common hosts are oaks and aspen.  During heavy infestations, competition for food will drive the caterpillar to attack almost any tree or shrub.

Depending on the degree of infestation, tree damage ranges from light to almost complete defoliation.  Most hardwood trees can survive a moderate degree of defoliation, but continuing attacks by the gypsy moth can fatally weaken a tree, making it vulnerable to insects or disease.

Whelan said that the bill would provide immediate and much-needed relief.

He proposed the legislation in response to the numerous resolutions and letters he received from Atlantic County towns requesting assistance, including Absecon, Atlantic City, Buena Vista Township, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, and Port Republic.

The bill was released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee 5 to 0.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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