The Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread program (STS) has successfully reduced the rate of spread of the gypsy moth. This destructive, non-native forest pest was introduced to the U.S. in 1869, and is currently established in all or parts of 19 states and the District of Columbia. In 2007, a revised economic analysis was completed to determine the economic feasibility of STS as it is implemented today. The objective of this analysis was to project and compare benefits and costs of STS for the next 20 years (2007 to 2026). The projected benefits of the STS program are at least 3 times as high as its costs. The total net present value (after subtracting costs) of implementing the STS project over the next 20 years (2007- 2026) is estimated to be between $184 and $348 million USD.

The STS project completed the 2012 trapping season with overall project compliance to the protocols established in 1999 and agreed upon by the cooperating agencies of the project. In summary, the database generated 53,918 trap sites within the STS project area for the 2012 season and traps were deployed at more than 95% of the planned sites (51,751 traps were placed).

States located along the leading edge of gypsy moth populations have cooperatively worked with the USDA Forest Service to implement a project to slow the spread of the gypsy moth. This work has been ongoing since Congress funded the strategy in the year 2000.

Congress funded full implementation of the gypsy moth slow the spread strategy (STS) in fiscal year 2000. Integrating STS into the USDA’s national strategy to manage the gypsy moth has reduced spread of this exotic pest at least 50% from historical averages of 13 miles per year. The USDA Forest Service (FS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) along with state partners located along the leading edge of gypsy moth populations cooperatively implement STS. The states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina are actively involved in STS. Minnesota and Iowa will likely join the program in the near future. The nonprofit STS Foundation, which manages the STS program, provides the states with a formal framework for cooperation and ensures that federal funds are targeted where biologically needed. Key highlights from the 2003 season follow.

Congress funded full implementation of the gypsy moth slow the spread strategy (STS) in fiscal year 2000. The USDA Forest Service (FS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) expect that integrating STS into the USDA’s national gypsy moth management programs will reduce spread rates of this exotic pest at least 50% from historical averages of 13 miles per year. The two USDA agencies along with state partners located along the leading edge of gypsy moth populations cooperatively implement STS. The states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina are actively involved in STS. Minnesota and Iowa will likely join the program in the near future. The nonprofit STS Foundation, which manages the STS program, provides the states with a formal framework for cooperation and ensures that federal funds are targeted where biologically needed. Key highlights from the 2002 season follow.