MDA preparing to aerially manage 4,600 acres of Nemadji State Forest to stop spread of spongy moth

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing to aerially manage multiple sites to stop the spread of the invasive spongy moth in July, including more than 4,600 acres of the Nemadji State Forest in Pine County.

According to an MDA news release, officials will likely conduct the aerial management activities between July 16 and 22.

The efforts will start as early as 6:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day, depending on weather conditions.

The release states that a mating disruption product will be applied by low-flying yellow planes contracted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in a joint project with the MDA.

The product is not harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects.

According to the MDA, spongy moths are among America's most destructive tree pests. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest.