FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Berkshire Conservation District to hold Annual Meeting
Highlighting the Current Status of the Spotted Lanternfly

The Berkshire Conservation District will be hosting their annual public meeting beginning at 4:00pm on Thursday, November 13th.

Following a brief introduction, Elizabeth Barnes, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will share a presentation on the status of the Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts. Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive insect that damages plants by feeding on their sap which stresses and can eventually kill them. The first known infestation of spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts was found in 2021 and has now been confirmed in over 50 cities and towns across 9 different counties in the state. Spotted Lanternflies are not a threat to people or pets, as they do not sting or bite, but they have the potential to negatively impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, primarily grapes and wine, apples, peaches, and maple syrup. They feed on the sap of over 100 different types of plants. This time of year, spotted lanternflies are entering their adult stage, characterized by their gray wings with black spots and a set of red hindwings underneath. Residents are encouraged to watch for these insects, especially in areas with grapevines, tree-of-heaven, bittersweet, maple, or black walnut.

The public is invited to join the meeting via Zoom. Register here at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2_ntI6PqR5azXvubilE0Iw
The Zoom link will then be sent to registered participants.

Contact the Berkshire Conservation District for more information at admin@berkshireconservation.org.

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