Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Meeting Oct. 27
BALLY PA – Efforts to eradicate the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect experts say has the potential to destroy high-value crops that include grapes, tree fruits and hardwood lumber, will be the subject of a public meeting Oct. 27 (2016; Thursday) from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Fire Company, 537 Chestnut St. The meeting is free and open to the public.
- This event has been added to The Post Publications calendar.
Locally, the pest has already invaded Montgomery County and is affecting West Pottsgrove, New Hanover, Douglass, Upper Hanover townships, and the boroughs of East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill; Berks County, in Amity, Colebrookdale, and Douglass townships and the boroughs of Bally, Bechtelsville, and Boyertown; and Chester County, in South Coventry Township. All have been placed under quarantine by the state Department of Agriculture to contain and plan for its elimination.
The quarantine order means any item that could hold any life stage of the insect may not be moved outside a quarantined area without inspection and compliance. This includes firewood, vehicles, outdoor household items and any items stored outside during the fall, as well as building materials, plants or plant parts.
Representatives from the state, Penn State Extension, the federal Department of Agriculture, and Kutztown University will provide information about eradication efforts so far, and will answer questions regarding the quarantine.
For more information, send an e-mail to Emelie Swackhamer at Penn State Extension, here.
Photo from Google Images
