Federal officials have announced their intention to seek continued authorization for a program that tracks spongy moths, an invasive species that poses threats to trees and forests across the United States.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service revealed plans to request extended approval for their information gathering system related to spongy moth monitoring efforts. The agency’s announcement follows requirements established under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
The program utilizes identification worksheets and checklists to collect data about spongy moth populations and their impact on vegetation. These invasive insects, formerly known as gypsy moths, can cause significant damage to deciduous trees when their populations grow unchecked.
The federal agency’s request represents a routine administrative step to maintain their ongoing surveillance and management efforts targeting this destructive pest species.
