Governor Announces Robust Plan to Combat Grasshoppers

Press Release

Governor Announces Robust Plan to Combat Grasshoppers

An early, coordinated and aggressive plan of attack on the migratory grasshopper is essential to prevent depredation to Wyoming's natural resources, according to Governor Dave Freudenthal who announced a vigorous suppression program today.

"I asked the directors of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and State Land Office to construct budgets for a robust spraying program to be initiated early this Spring," Freudenthal said.

"We will see historic levels of grasshopper infestations across the state, so we are going to try to ensure that we have protection for our crop lands, wildlife habitat and other agricultural operations," Freudenthal said.

In a letter to members of the Wyoming Legislature, Gov. Freudenthal outlined the budget and funding sources for the State's $2.685 million grasshopper plan. "It is imperative for control officials from the county, state and federal levels to be organized and prepared with suppression programs before the economic and ecological damage occurs," Freudenthal wrote.

"Experts are forecasting that Wyoming and many other western states may experience grasshopper hatches with disastrous implications," Freudenthal wrote. Weed and pest districts, county commissioners and private land owners in Wyoming will utilize emergency and mill levy funds to the fullest extent, but the Governor expressed concern about the federal government's efforts.

"This leaves the federal agencies as the cooperators who have inadequately addressed the issue with financial resources," Freduenthal wrote. "USDA-APHIS-PPQ has personnel in all the western states with the training, understanding and statutory authority to cooperate with suppression programs on federal lands. In fact, USDA-APHIS-PPQ and BLM should both have all NEPA documentation in place by early May. However, with a budget of little over $5 million to cover 17 western states, the largest single landowner in Wyoming will be restricted from being a full participant in many weed and pest control district organized programs. The [Wyoming] Department of Agriculture is working with federal agencies to secure additional funding," Freudenthal wrote.

The State will also assist with mosquito control efforts. "The Governor's office has therefore requested the Emergency Insect Management Committee to continue supporting West Nile virus control programs for 2010, and has set aside $300,000 in the current Fiscal Year 2009 budget for management programs, while also setting aside an additional $900,000 in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget," Freudenthal wrote.

The grant deadline has been extended to March 19, 2010 and funding information is available from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture's website at http://wyagric.state.wy.us/news/eminsectmgmtinfo.htm .

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