Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Jeff Van Drew

ALBANO/VAN DREW BILL CONTINUING STATE'S
GYPSY MOTH CONTROL PROGRAM ADVANCES
Measure Would Appropriate $750K in Federal Funds

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly Budget Committee today released legislation Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to protect New Jersey forests from gypsy moths -- one of the most destructive defoliating insects in the world.
"If we are to successfully protect our forests and preserve open space, we need a gypsy moth suppression program that is sufficiently funded, well organized, and appropriately equipped" said Albano (D-Cumberland/Cape May/Atlantic). "The gypsy moth is the most destructive forest insect in New Jersey. We already have lost too many trees to gypsy moths."

The Albano/Van Drew measure (A-2975) would appropriate $750,000 in federal funds to continue the state Department of Agriculture's gypsy moth suppression program. The program helps coordinate mitigation efforts among the federal Forest Service, state agencies, and New Jersey's counties and municipalities. The program uses aerial defoliation, egg-mass surveys, and monitors the application and evaluation of sprays to combat the state's gypsy moth problem.

"The war against gypsy moths is not one that should be taken lightly," said Van Drew (Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "Last year, gypsy moths killed scores of trees all across our state. New Jerseyans pride themselves on the preservation of their environment. Protecting our trees from the serious threat posed by gypsy moths is a must."

The bill previously was released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The measure was released 11-0. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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Assemblyman Nelson Albano
Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew
(609) 465-0700