+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+
| ![](media/image1.png){wi   | Catoctin         |   | 6602 Foxville     |
| dth="0.5598425196850394in" | Mountain Park    |   | Road              |
| height="0.72               |                  |   |                   |
| 00787401574803in"}National |                  |   | Thurmont, MD      |
| Park Service               |                  |   | 21788             |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
| U.S. Department of the     |                  |   | \(301\) 663-9388  |
| Interior                   |                  |   | phone             |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | \(301\) 271-2764  |
|                            |                  |   | fax               |
+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+

**Catoctin Mountain Park** News Release

May 5, 2008

For Immediate Release

Sean Denniston (301) 416-0536

Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Spraying of Btk for Control of Gypsy
Moths

Catoctin Mountain Park announces that the Environmental Assessment
process for the 2008 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program has been completed
and a Finding of No Significant Impact has been signed by the Regional
Director of the National Capital Region, National Park Service.

Therefore, Catoctin Mountain Park is administering a gypsy moth spray
program with the assistance and cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service.
The insecticide Btk (*Bacillus thuringensis* variety *kurstaki*) will be
applied aerially to approximately 3370 acres of forested parkland to
prevent further infestation and possible defoliation. If needed, the
second application would be made approximately four to seven days after
the first to cover extended egg hatch and in order to expose any gypsy
moth caterpillars that may have escaped or survived the first
application. Gypsy moth egg mass surveys, completed in 2007, indicate
that gypsy moth populations are sufficient to cause moderate tree
defoliation in a portion of Catoctin Mountain Park.

The treatment areas are primarily in the eastern and middle sections of
the park (following the east park boundary from Route 77 up almost to
route 550 and the southern boundary all along route 77) with two small
blocks in the western portion (on the north end of Manahan Road and west
of Owens Creek Campground). These areas all have egg mass densities
above the U.S. Forest Service threshold for treatment. The Forest
Service recommends treatment when defoliation is likely. Btk has been
chosen for spraying because it is a biological rather than a chemical
insecticide and affects only caterpillars feeding in the tree canopy.
Btk is a very safe insecticide and causes no harm to pets, birds,
wildlife, fish, plants or people.

Spraying dates will coincide with the proper point in the gypsy moth
life cycle and favorable weather conditions. The actual spray date will
fall between May 7 and May 23, 2008. Flexibility of the spraying dates
assures a greater success in controlling gypsy moth populations.

Trails will be marked with informational signs and spray maps will be
available at the Visitor Center while the Btk is being applied. Please
contact the Catoctin Mountain Park staff at (301) 416-0536 for further
information or to comment on the gypsy Moth Suppression Program within
the Park. The Catoctin Mountain Park spraying will also coincide with
other public and private gypsy moth suppression programs in Frederick
County. The Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program, a partnership
between the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the USDA Forest Service,
local jurisdictions and landowners, will be treating 99,218 acres across
Maryland. For more information about this program in Frederick County or
gypsy moths in general, please contact the Maryland Department of
Agriculture at 301-662-2074.

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National
Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The park Visitor Center,
located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is
open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain
Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is
www.nps.gov/cato. General information can be obtained by calling the
Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.

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