Western Farmer-Stockman Logo

The WSDA plans a public hearing on Aug. 2 to discuss a restriction of grass and yard waste from the Grandview, Wash., area.

Farm Press Staff

June 21, 2022

2 Min Read
WFP-ODA-Japanese-beetle.jpg
A Japanese beetle is on a rose.Oregon Department of Agriculture

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing Aug. 2 to discuss a quarantine of certain yard materials from the Grandview area to curb infestations of the Japanese beetle.

Items restricted from movement would include yard debris, grass, and backyard compost. If adopted, the quarantine would go into effect sometime this fall, state officials say.

Related: Planning for Japanese beetle eradication underway

The 10 a.m. hearing will be held at the Learning Center, 313 Division St. in Grandview.  There are three ways to join the public hearing:

  1. Residents can join in person on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Learning Center, 313 Division St., Grandview.

  2. Join virtually through the Microsoft Teams conference Meeting Link.

  3. Or call in (audio only) at 564-999-2000. Callers will need the phone conference ID: 291 459 81#.

Residents and stakeholders may also provide feedback for the hearing by submitting a written comment. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m., Aug. 2. Mail written comments to Gloriann Robinson, agency rules coordinator, Washington State Department of Agriculture, PO Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560. Comments may also be emailed to [email protected], or faxed to 360-902-2092, with attention to Gloriann Robinson.

More information on the rule language or the rule-making process is available on the WSDA rule-making webpage.

Keep yard waste on site

Though no official quarantine is yet in place, experts recommend anyone in the infestation area keep yard debris and green waste on site to prevent spreading the Japanese beetle infestation (and potential expansion of the quarantine area). WSDA is developing a site where residents can safely dispose of yard waste. That solution should be available in mid-July.

“Until the proposed quarantine is adopted, we are asking residents to consider keeping their waste on site,” Camilo Acosta, WSDA eradication coordinator, said. “This is the best way to ensure we keep the infestation from spreading.”

Unencumbered by the natural predators of its native Japan, the beetle -- Popillia japonica -- are a noted pest of about 300 species of plants, including grapes, hops, apples, walnuts, plums, peaches, roses, berries and spinach, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Related: Agencies scramble as Japanese beetle spreads in West

Japanese beetle eggs and larvae live in the soil below the surface. Adult beetles can travel on waste or debris from yards, gardens, and other horticulture activities.

“If you have any potted or outdoor plants, we ask that you do not move them,” Acosta added.

While several Western states spray for the pest, the WSDA has been aggressively treating for the beetle this spring after finding more than 24,000 beetles in 2021.

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like