Negative Declaration

Ulster County - The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP), as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Aerial Application of Btk to Control Spongy Moth Infestation at Minnewaska State Park Preserve will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The action involves the Since 2015 Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) and NYS OPRHP biologists have observed severe spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestations within Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which have lead to repeated tree defoliation events and even wide spread tree mortality in areas surrounding key infrastructure as well as in forested uplands of the park. In 2024 using the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) "Field Protocol for Sampling Spongy Moth Egg Masses", NYS OPRHP natural resource staff quantified that within their survey areas spongy moth egg masses totaled >1000 per acre (a management threshold likely to produce widespread tree mortality). In an effort to prevent further forest degradation, potential infrastructure loss, and potential unsafe recreational opportunities NYS OPRHP and the PIPC are proposing to conduct two aerial applications of Foray 48B or like product, (Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp.Kurstaki(Btk) an organic bioinsecticide specific to lepidoptera) via helicopter at approximately a week apart with the first application scheduled for when oaks are observed at 40-60% leaf out and while spongy moth larvae are actively feeding. The helicopter would be staged in an open field area to the east of Lake Minnewaska. Approximate total area of application would be up to 960 acres of Parkland in 2024.. The project is located at multiple upland areas within Minnewaska State Park Preserve at 5281 Route 44-55, in Kerhonkson, Towns of Rochester and Waswarsing, New York.