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Western Maryland Tells State More Spraying For Gypsy Moths Needed


Oct. 9, 2008


by Elizabeth M. Piazza

Capital News Service

FREDERICK - Concerned with the economic and environmental impacts of gypsy moth infestation, officials from Garrett, Allegany, and Frederick counties argued Wednesday that Western Maryland needs to be a top priority for the aerial spraying used to kill the invasive pests.

Members of a gypsy moth task force and other state officials met in Frederick to discuss the statewide infestation problem and make recommendations on effective means of suppression.

Gypsy moths are the most destructive forest pests in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. They eat the leaves on hardwood trees, causing defoliation.

Repeated defoliation stresses the trees and they eventually die from other natural invaders. Since 1980, gypsy moths have affected more than 1 million acres in Maryland.

Gypsy moth infestation is a statewide issue but largely affects the areas of Western Maryland because of the nature and higher density of the forests.

The task force was created to unite environmentalists and government leaders throughout Maryland to address the problem.

Members of the task force from across Maryland argued over how the program prioritizes sites for treatment, which is done by aerial spraying.

Potential treatment sites are wooded areas where at least 50 percent of the trees are oak and there is at least 50 percent canopy coverage. Additionally, a site must be at least 25 acres, on which there are at least 250 gypsy moth egg masses per acre.

If an area meets those criteria, then its priority is assessed by value.

"Value is on a tree-by-tree basis," said Thomas E. Lupp, regional entomologist for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. "Trees growing in urban or any area associated with a residence have a higher value than those not in a residential area."

Lupp, who is not a member of the task force, was brought in as a technical expert.

The criteria leads to rural Maryland being shortchanged, some argued.

"Those areas that aren't priorities are the areas in Garrett County," said Frederick Holliday, Garrett County commissioner. There are approximately 90,000 acres of wooded, state-owned land in Garrett County without residences.

Wendell R. Beitzel, a Republican delegate representing Garrett and Allegany counties, questioned the environmental benefit of saving trees in residential areas at the expense of huge forests.

"I think we need to redirect some of the priorities," Beitzel said.

State officials are trying to get the most bang for their buck. Last year, 100,000 acres were identified and sprayed throughout Maryland.

"You have people from all around the state and you have limited resources, so you develop criteria," said Earl F. Hance, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. "Everyone has a different priority, what we're trying to do is create a balance."

Even if there was unlimited funding, finding manpower is difficult. Work is seasonal and there is training and technical knowledge involved. There is currently one forester for every 20,000 acres in Maryland as compared to other states that have four times as many.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

courtesy Republican News


Aug. 21, 2008

The 10th annual Western Maryland Truck Show will be held from Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Grantsville Town Park. A variety of events are scheduled.
On Friday night, Marcy's Wings in the Park will benefit the Grantsville Fire Department building fund. Eight different flavors of wings will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Salisbury VFW and the Western Maryland Truck Show.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, a truck pull contest will feature "man power" rather than horsepower. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Western Maryland Division.

Music will be provided by Perry Kamp from 8 to 11 p.m.

Special events on Saturday will include a candy drop, coloring contest, story telling with Joanna Guy from Garrett County at 11 a.m., a live radio remote with Hannah and the Trucker from 3 to 6 p.m., and an auto cruise-in from 3 to 7 p.m.

The Maryland National Guard will also host a climbing wall from noon to 5 p.m.

Visitors can also meet Miss Maryland USA, who will be at the show that day.

Spectators should bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening in the park with the bands Ricochet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Highway 101 from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Loretta Hummel and the Golden River Band will play from 10 to 12:30 p.m.

The Maryland Department of Transportation will also give a demonstration of weighing a tractor trailer loaded with logs.

The truckers will also be presented with their awards beginning at 1:30 p.m., including people's choice, mayor's choice, Miss Maryland's choice, and the Western Maryland Truck Show Memorial award.

The coloring contest winner will also be announced, and a driver will win a $1,000 cash give-away.

In order to allow trucks to enter the park, Miller Street in front of the Grantsville Park will be closed on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Pennsylvania Avenue to Hershberger Lane. Additional parking will be provided as needed.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350