DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *April 28, 2025
*Contact: *Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist
[email protected] or 920-360-0942
DNR To Conduct Aerial Spraying For Spongy Moth Caterpillars At Three State Properties
A plane sprays an insecticide as it flies over dense trees near a stone-covered building.
The aerial spraying will occur between mid-May and early June, with exact dates and times depending on caterpillar development and weather conditions. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized aerial spraying plans for its 2025 Spongy Moth Suppression Program, with maps of the five selected treatment areas [ [link removed] ] available online.
The treatment sites are at three state parks in Juneau, Marinette and Sauk counties. A total of 544 acres will be treated with an aerial spray of “Foray” bacterial insecticide containing "Bacillus thuringiensis" var. "kurstaki". The treatments will be done to protect valuable trees in campgrounds and other recreational areas.
The specific sites and areas to be sprayed are:
* *Juneau County:* 85 acres in one block at Rocky Arbor State Park, including the campground.
* *Marinette County:* 252 acres in two blocks at Governor Thompson State Park, including the campground and Woods Lake day-use area.
* *Sauk County:* 207 acres in two blocks at Mirror Lake State Park, including the campgrounds.
The aerial spraying will occur between mid-May and early June, with exact dates and times dependent upon caterpillar development and weather conditions. The DNR intends to avoid spraying high-use properties during the extended Memorial Day weekend if spraying has not occurred by then.
Law enforcement, local governments, schools and nearby medical facilities will be notified before spraying.
For up-to-date information, visit the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Resource Center [ [link removed] ] and subscribe to email updates [ [link removed] ] that will provide notice when spraying dates are determined. Also, the toll-free Spongy Moth Hotline, 800-642-MOTH (800-642-6684), has a recording of up-to-date spraying plans.
The State of Wisconsin does not offer a state-sponsored or cost-share program for treating private property to prevent defoliation by spongy moth. Those interested in organizing a spray program at their own expense can view the DNR's “Organizing An Aerial Spray For Forest Pests [ [link removed] ]" guide. Landowners may also hire tree-care businesses to apply insecticide from the ground.
Learn more about spongy moth and management options in the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Resource Center [ [link removed] ].
________________________________________________________________________
[ [link removed] ]
[ [link removed] ]
[ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]
[ [link removed] ] Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].
________________________________________________________________________
This email was sent to
[email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
