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<br /> ' 01/08/04 THU 16:59 FAX 503 986 4786 OllA YLAN'1' ll1V. IQ.~UUL <br /> • reduction in the quality of life for many residents (nuisance and allergic reaction due to <br /> numerous larvae) <br /> • aesthetic losses (unsightly tree and shrub defoliation and death) <br /> • watershed issues in some communities dependent on trees to hold soil and water <br /> • increased costs to residents for pesticides and/or tree removal and replacement <br /> • fire danger could increase if dead trees not promptly removed <br /> • environmental losses (negative impact of out-of-season tree defoliation on wildlife, fish <br /> habitat, native species of moths and caterpillars, tree community composition) <br /> Oregon and many other uninfested states survey annually for this pest and eradicate it <br /> primarily using the Btk wherever infestations have been transported, usually on outdoor <br /> household articles and recreational vehicles. Aerial applications of Btk sprays have occurred <br /> in large and small Oregon communities and rural and forested areas from Portland to Cave <br /> Junction since 1984. In 1984, the largest gypsy moth infestation ever detected in the western <br /> U.S., was found in Lane County. Following a series of large scale spray projects starting <br /> with treating 225,000 acres in 1985 three times with Btk, this infestation was eradicated. <br /> Through extensive annual trapping and early and effective eradication programs targeting <br /> relatively small areas, we hope to avoid that scenario ever again. In all the many health <br /> studies conducted to date, no known cases of an illness caused by similar Btk spray programs <br /> have been identified. <br /> The Ashland gypsy moth eradication program and our efforts to interact with residents and <br /> other interested persons about our proposed eradication program are described in detail in the <br /> "Environmental Assessment Gypsy Moth Eradication Program Jackson and Multnomah <br /> Counties April 5, 2001." This document, the recent spray notice, and many other documents <br /> covering gypsy moth, the proposed eradication program, the biological pesticide (Bacillus <br /> thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Btk, and its formulation to be used in the eradication program, <br /> Foray ®48 B) and health studies and information were previously sent to you. These <br /> documents (including the draft environmental assessment) were also available for <br /> distribution at two public information meetings on February 13 and March 14. Dr. Carol <br /> Ferguson in the Biology Department, Southern Oregon Uzuversity also kindly made copies <br /> available for viewing by interested persons. Others requested and received copies of their <br /> own. We requested and received questions and statements indicating both concern and <br /> support. The Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture considered these issues <br /> when making his decision to implement the proposed eradication program. <br /> We are pleased to be on the agenda of the next City Council meeting to be held in Ashland at <br /> 7 pm on April 17. Thank you for your help in facilitating our request that the City of <br /> Ashland authorize low altitude helicopter flights associated with this gypsy moth eradication <br /> program <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Kathleen J. R. Johnson <br /> Supervisor, Plant Pest and Disease Programs <br /> 503-986-4662 <br /> <br />