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State cancels spongy moth aerial treatment; Coon Rapids staff explores limited local options
Summary
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture canceled planned spongy moth treatment for Coon Rapids due to federal funding delays. City staff said contracting privately would be difficult on short notice but will explore options and communicate with residents about monitoring, quarantine guidance and possible treatment next year.
City staff told the Coon Rapids City Council on April 15 that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) canceled the planned spongy moth aerial treatment because federal funding was delayed. The MDA notified local officials that it was unable to conduct the application in the current window and instead will monitor the area and consider treatment next year.
Council member Butler asked whether the city could contract with an applicator to carry out treatment this year. City staff (Samuel) said the lead time for an aerial application is substantial — flight planning, contractor scheduling and associated logistics — and that it appears difficult for the city to arrange a comparable, timely application on short notice. Staff said they requested follow-up information from the MDA and expected answers soon, and that if a municipal contract were feasible it would likely fit within existing tree-treatment and removal funds; the city manager indicated the city has delegation authority within established signing limits for emergency work.
Absent immediate treatment, staff described MDA’s alternative actions: intensified monitoring, trap deployment, public education, and potential quarantine measures (e.g., restrictions on transporting firewood or removing infested trees) for the affected neighborhood. Staff said the MDA believes the current outbreak in the reported area is small and slow-moving, and that transport of infested material (for example firewood) is a primary driver of spread.
Council asked about timing and the possibility of preauthorization for rapid action; staff replied that given existing limits on the city manager’s contracting authority and the short lead time necessary for aerial application, the city’s ability to act quickly is limited but that staff will notify council if a feasible contracting pathway emerges.
During open mic a resident addressed animal-control policy regarding cats; another resident asked about the absence of a state flag on city property. Those comments were presented during public comment and not acted on at the meeting.
