Press Releases
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon start treating for gypsy moth infestations in areas of Buncombe and Yancey counties. Two areas are scheduled for treatment – a 1,760-acre block around Mount Mitchell in both Yancey and Buncombe counties; and a 2,845-acre block near the Celo community in Yancey County. Treatments are expected to start as early as June 14, weather permitting. Following are descriptions of the treatment areas:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expected to start treatments for a gypsy moth infestation June 14 in a 1,330-acre block near Marion in McDowell County.U.S. 221 passes through the center of the block, with hardwood forests throughout. There are 305 residences in the area, and a portion of this block is Forest Service land. In 2019, a total of five male moths were trapped in this area. That number increased to 34 in 2020, signifying a reproducing population. One application of mating disruption is planned.
With drought conditions extending toward the Foothills, fire officials are concerned about campfires and other sources of open flame across the state, especially in the 26 counties currently under a state burn ban that remains in effect until further notice.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to review the trust fund budget and hear reports on easement closings, cycle XIV RFP selections and other trust fund activity.
Farms are offering tours, u-pick for flowers and fruit, farm stands and special events for late spring.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold a work session to review cycle XIV RFPs.
With continued regional drought conditions and high fire potential across southeastern North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service has mobilized a state incident management team in Lumberton to provide logistical support for any needed fire response.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for the following North Carolina counties: Anson, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland and Wayne.The burning ban goes into effect at noon Monday, May 24, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced the promotion of Christina “Chrissy” Waggett of Durham to assistant commissioner for consumer protection. She currently serves as an agricultural program specialist and federal liaison for the department and will replace longtime assistant commissioner Joe Reardon who is retiring June 30. The promotion is effective July 1.