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By LYT WOOD
Democrat Special Writer
The gypsy moths are here!
Gypsy moth populations have been firmly established in Virginia for several years, and in 1986 — for the first time — some Northern Virginia forests have experienced severe defoliation.
It seems inevitable that the prolific, insatiable insect will continue to cause ecological disruption and political controversy as it advances southward.
How are Northern Virginia localities preparing to deal with this unwelcome new arrival?
As has been the case in New England states, there seems to be little agreement at the personal, regional and state levels. Even the several government agencies that oversee gypsy moth research and management approach the problem in different ways.
“Learn to live with it” is the philosophy of the National Park Service, according to Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Robert R. Jacobsen.
The gypsy moth has been present for at least five years in Mr. Jacobsen’s park.
“It’s important to consider that the gypsy moth has become a permanent member of our fauna,” he said. “There’s not enough money everywhere to spray all infested areas.
“Insofar as possible, we should allow natural agents — predators, parasites and diseases — to become the major controls.”
Mr. Jacobsen is quick to point out that the National Park Service’s “natural control” approach is not a “do-nothing” approach. Where appropriate, aerial spraying of the biological insecticide Bt will be the first line of defense, he said.
He did not rule out the possibility of spraying chemical insecticides under extreme circumstances, though no such action is planned or foreseen at this time. “Chemicals, which aren’t host-specific, will be used only as a last resort,” he said.
Mr. Jacobsen explained that the Park Service is in process of identifying and mapping “Special Value Areas” which are particularly sensitive to gypsy moth damage. Those are the only places where any drastic control measures (such as spraying) would ever be considered.
“Areas which fit into this category,” Mr. Jacbosen said, “are places where gypsy moth larvae would create unacceptable public health risks or damage to the environment — recreational areas, campgrounds and areas of unique ‘relic’ vegetation.”
One such area is the Matthews Arm Campground, just west of the Skyline Drive at the comer of Rappahannock, Page and Warren counties. Jim Watkins, the park’s environmental protection specialist, reported that gypsy moths have “severely defoliated
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