Wisconsin DNR Takes Flight Against Spongy Moths with Aerial Spray Program in State Parks

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is taking to the skies in an attempt to control unwelcome guests in some of the state's most popular recreational areas. According to an official release on the DNR website, their upcoming Spongy Moth Suppression Program will see 544 acres across three state parks treated with aerial sprays of 'Foray', an insecticide that targets the leaf-munching larvae of spongy moths. These pests have a reputation for defoliating trees, threatening the health of park ecosystems and the enjoyment of park visitors.

With 85 acres at Rocky Arbor State Park, 252 acres governor Thompson State Park, and 207 acres at Mirror Lake State Park up for treatment, park goers can look forward to more leafy scenery and less caterpillar frass. Scheduled between mid-May and early June, these treatments are intended to align with the spongy moth caterpillar's lifecycle, ensuring maximum impact. The department, aiming to minimize inconvenience for visitors, has plans to avoid the Memorial Day weekend rush, unless nature throws a wrench in their timetable with weather or caterpillar growth rates that don't cooperate.



The specific areas to receive this airborne intervention are detailed online, with the DNR providing maps for those interested. At Juneau County's Rocky Arbor State Park, campgrounds included in the 85-acre treatment block can expect some overhead action, while the festivity of sprayers will also be seen at Governor Thompson State Park in Marinette County, including the campground and day-use area by Woods Lake. Mirror Lake State Park, set in Sauk County, will have campgrounds within its 207-acre treatment zone.

Notifications to law enforcement, local government entities, nearby schools, and medical facilities will be issued in advance of the spraying operations, because these spongy moth caterpillars won't be dissuaded without a heads-up. The public is directed to the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Resource Center for the most current updates, and those with a penchant for the telephonic can dial into the Spongy Moth Hotline (800-642-MOTH) for a recorded message detailing spraying plans.While the state itself won't be footing the bill for private property pest control, they do offer guidance on organizing aerial spraying programs on their website.

Landowners not looking to ascend to lofty heights can instead seek the services of terrestrial tree-care's finest, applying insecticides ground style..