Control the spread of spotted lanternfly (SLF) throughout west virginia through activities that promote early detection, prompt suppression efforts, and education to the public

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a $260,250 Cooperative Agreement to the State of West Virginia Department of Agriculture on May 15, 2026, to control the spread of Spotted Lanternfly throughout West Virginia under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025).

The recipient will conduct trapping efforts, visual surveys, public education, and coordinate treatment efforts with APHIS-PPQ. Deliverables include enhanced public awareness through education efforts, establishment and monitoring of SLF trapping sites, identification of Tree of Heaven sites for future monitoring, egg mass monitoring to predict future SLF population dynamics, and treatments to suppress SLF populations and mitigate economic losses. The award benefits West Virginia residents, agricultural industries, and stakeholders.

Funded activities run through May 14, 2027, with performance occurring in West Virginia. The award funds personnel ($119,750, including field staff, seasonal part-time workers, and a program coordinator), fringe benefits ($40,346), travel ($61,458 covering 77,942 miles at $0.72 per mile and 30 overnight trips), supplies ($4,750), and indirect costs ($33,946). No sub-recipients are identified.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to control the spread of spotted lanternfly (SLF) throughout west virginia through activities that promote early detection, prompt suppression efforts, and education to the public.

Activities

The recipient will conduct trapping efforts, visual surveys, public education, and coordinate treatment efforts with aphis-PPQ. Deliverables and expected outcomes: this award aims to enhance public awareness and engagement through education efforts, establish and monitor SLF trapping sites, identify tree of heaven sites for future monitoring, conduct EGG mass monitoring to predict future SLF population dynamics, and perform treatments to suppress SLF population and mitigate economic losses. Intended beneficiary(IES): this award will benefit west virginia's residents, agricultural industries, and stakeholders. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: no known subrecipient activities. Cost categories: personnel: (field staff @2800 HRS@$20/HR = $56,000, seasonal/part-time @ 1250HRS@$15/HR = $18,750, program coordinator = $45,000)=$119,750; fringe benefits: $40,346; travel: )77942 miles @ $0.72/mile and 30 over night trips) = $61,458; supplies: $4,750; indirect costs: $33,946