The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has recently revised its approach to managing the invasive spongy moth population in Coon Rapids, a development that’s sure to affect local residents and flora alike. Known for its destructive appetite that ravages through over 300 species of trees and shrubs, these moths have become a real concern for conservation efforts in the area. Budgetary hiccups and delays in federal assistance from the USDA Forest Service have led to a sudden cancellation of the planned aerial spraying in May, which was geared towards controlling the pest population.
With the expected flow of federal funds hitting a snag, the MDA finds itself staring at a ticking clock as the spongy moth threatens to dine on the verdant canopy that splashes across Coon Rapids; and in a bid to stem this tide, an emergency quarantine is to take effect from May 1, over a designated pocket of the city—you can eyeball the specifics by viewing the map here. It’s a disappointing pivot for those who hoped the skies would be misted with Btk, the biological agent that’s been the go-to for keeping the moths at bay, but alas, such interventions are not to be this spring.
With the change in tactics comes the need for transparency and education; the MDA is thus hosting two informative sessions aimed at providing Coon Rapids residents with all they need to know about the quarantine and its implications. The first meeting will be a virtual affair, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, from noon to 1 p.m., accessible via a Microsoft Teams link provided by the MDA. The next day, April 30, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., residents can attend an in-person session at Sand Creek Park located at 1008 Northdale Blvd…