Funds for this project are requested to support the west virginia department of agriculture to actively manage invasive species on public and private land throughout west virginia

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded the State of West Virginia Department of Agriculture $248,000 on February 2, 2026, under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680) to actively manage invasive species on public and private land throughout West Virginia.

The award funds spongy moth suppression, hemlock woolly adelgid and spongy moth surveys, survey methodology improvements, dissemination of survey data and information to land managers, and training for forestry professionals and landowners. Performance extends through June 30, 2030, and work is conducted across West Virginia.

The Forest Health Protection program assists eligible entities in protecting and managing non-Federal forest and tree resources from damaging forest insects, disease-causing agents, and invasive plants; developing or improving forest health protection technologies; and monitoring forest health across the nation.

Activities to be funded include spongy moth suppression, conduct hemlock woolly adelgid and spongy moth surveys, improve survey methodology, make survey data and information available to land managers and provide training to forestry professionals and landowners.