Beitzel Assigned To New Gypsy Moth Task Force

Jul. 3, 2008
Del. Wendell R. Beitzel was recently appointed by Speaker Michael E. Busch as the designated Maryland House of Delegates member to serve on the newly created Task Force to Study Statewide Gypsy Moth Infestation.

"I am excited that the speaker chose me to represent the Maryland House of Delegates on the task force," Beitzel said. "We need to find a solution to prevent or control the devastation caused to our hardwood forests by the gypsy moths. I am very optimistic that something good will come from the work that we will do on this task force."

The 11-member panel was created by Senate Bill 920, which was introduced in the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

"Del. Beitzel is aware of his appointment," Busch said, "and looks forward to participating as a member of the task force. I am confident that his leadership and contributions will benefit the Maryland House of Delegates and the citizens of our state."

Gypsy moth infestation has been very prevalent throughout Maryland in the past two years, Beitzel noted. Western Maryland – and especially Garrett County, which has the largest acreage of forest in the state – has experienced severe defoliation because of gypsy moth infestation.

In addition to Beitzel, other task force members include representatives from the Senate, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland Forest Association, Pesticide Network, and departments of Agriculture, Budget and Management, and Natural Resources.

The group is required to study the gypsy moth infestation and to make recommendations regarding the most effective, practical, regulatory, and legislative means of combating the problem. A reporting requirement is required in SB 920, which was sponsored by 17 senators, including George C. Edwards.

Beitzel has been working with the Garrett County commissioners, state and local agricultural and forest agencies, organizations, and individuals to seek additional funding for gypsy moth control and eradication.

"I am pleased that our collective efforts resulted in a much larger infusion of funds in 2008 to spray for gypsy moths in western Maryland and the state," Beitzel said. "Hopefully the spraying of nearly 50,000 acres in Garrett County will help to prevent the massive forest defoliation we witnessed here last year