The National Forest Service is deciding on possible moth mitigation near Cheyenne Mountain. The Tussock Moth feeds on Douglas firs and spruce, and emerges during cyclical outbreaks that last anywhere from 2-4 years.
The moths have been known to destroy as much as 40% of the Douglas fir population in areas of nearly 20,000 acres on Pike National Forest.
Biologist Mike Welker says the current outbreak on Cheyenne Mountain emerged in 2014, and while the agency is still deciding whether action is necessary, they have a relatively targeted solution.
"The biological agent is actually a bacteria," says Welker. "While it won’t be a live bacteria, there will be spores, and it's a natural way to control the Tussock Moth, to kill the Tussock Moth."
The Pike National Forest is in a public comment period to determine whether action should be taken.
There's an open house on April 20th at the Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School at 5:30. The Pike National Forest is also collecting feedback online until April 29th.
The City of Colorado Springs is also planning some moth mitigation. There's an open house Wednesday, Arpil 13 at 6 at Gold Camp Elementary for more information.
