March 18, 2009 in Region

Tussock moth outbreak in Okanogan County

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OLYMPIA — The Department of Natural Resources is telling landowners in Okanogan County to be on the lookout for tree damage from an outbreak of the Douglas fir tussock moth.

The department has noted damage from the moth caterpillars near Loomis and Oroville.

The state says tree thinning and spraying can stop the infestation from spreading.

An outbreak typically kills up to 40 percent of the trees in the area with damage to more. An outbreak in 2000 defoliated 45,000 acres of trees.

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