WSDA Seeks Comments On Japanese Beetle Eradication Plan

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments on the environmental review for its proposed plan to eradicate Japanese beetle in Grandview and surrounding areas of Yakima and Benton counties.

The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive plant pest that can be very difficult and expensive to control. Feeding on the roots of grass and other vegetation, Japanese beetle grubs damage lawns, golf courses, and pastures. Japanese beetle adults attack the foliage, flowers, or fruits of more than 300 different ornamental and agricultural plants, including crops such as grapes and hops, which are significant crops in the areas where the beetle has been detected.

Comments on the environmental documents are due Tuesday April 26^th. 

WSDA issued a determination of non-significance (DNS) on April 13 under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for the Japanese beetle eradication project in Grandview area. After review of a completed SEPA checklist and other information on file with the agency, WSDA has determined this proposal will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment.  A copy of the DNS and site-specific SEPA checklist are available for review on the WSDA’s Website.

The public is invited to comment on the Listed Documents. Comments can be provided via E-mail at PestProgram@agr.wa.gov.

To learn more, visit the WSDA's Website or call (800) 443-6684.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com