1. The Effects of Gypsy Moths on Virginia’s Forestland Hayley Bickford FYE Natural Resources & Environment Technical Briefing

2. Problem Statement The Invasive Species – Gypsy Moths are destroying many trees/forests all over the nation, plus Virginia. The Invasive Species – Gypsy Moths are destroying many trees/forests all over the nation, plus Virginia. The moths add stress, drain reserves, and defoliate leaves in trees all over. The moths add stress, drain reserves, and defoliate leaves in trees all over. http://www.hatfieldspraying.com/G ypsy_Moth.jpg

3. Conceptual Model

4. Options Considered Arrest Migration (Slow-The-Spread) Arrest Migration (Slow-The-Spread) Designed to delay the the amount of territory invaded by the moths through trapping and insecticides. Designed to delay the the amount of territory invaded by the moths through trapping and insecticides. Mounting trees with sticky materials Mounting trees with sticky materials (Usually done by homeowners) (Usually done by homeowners) Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services cooperates with local governments and use integrated pest management to handle infestations. The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services cooperates with local governments and use integrated pest management to handle infestations. Government Insecticide Government Insecticide

5. Evidence Origination: Originally evolved in Europe and Asia. (Lymantria Dispar) A scientist from Massachusetts (E.L. Trouvelot) accidentally introduced the species in 1869. About 10 years later there was an outbreak in his town. This is when the Federal Government attempted to eradicate the Gypsy Moth. Origination: Originally evolved in Europe and Asia. (Lymantria Dispar) A scientist from Massachusetts (E.L. Trouvelot) accidentally introduced the species in 1869. About 10 years later there was an outbreak in his town. This is when the Federal Government attempted to eradicate the Gypsy Moth. Destruction: The moths effect mainly Oak Trees and defoliate 60% to 100% of a tree’s leaves. Thirteen million acres of forests are destroyed per year by the moths. Destruction: The moths effect mainly Oak Trees and defoliate 60% to 100% of a tree’s leaves. Thirteen million acres of forests are destroyed per year by the moths.

6. Conclusions After reading trough many articles it is clear to say Gypsy Moths are here to stay. However, there are many things like insecticides, and Government programs that can help stop some of the outbreaks and destruction of not only forests in Virginia, but forests throughout the country. http://www.geo.hunter.cuny.edu/tbw /ncc/Notes/chapter5.nat.res/Virginia.h ardwood.forest.jpg