DNR To Release Beetles

[freedomrules3]

not sure if this is a good idea or not

MEDIA ADVISORY - DNR To Release Galerucella Beetles Along Route 331 In Easton August 10
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WHO: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Maryland Department of Agriculture (AG)

WHAT: DNR and AG officials are releasing non-native galerucella beetles, that control and limit the growth of purple loosestrife, an invasive, non-native plant that thrives in wetland areas. The beetles eat and reproduce only on the purple loosestrife and have been successful in reducing purple loosestrife populations in New York, New Jersey, and much of New England.

WHERE: The beetles will be released along Route 331, east of the Dover Bridge in Caroline County (call Kerrie Kyde for exact location and time, 410-279-1847).

WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 2006

DIRECTIONS: Call Kerrie Kyde for exact location and time, 410-279-1847

[ncboman]

ya gotta wonder given the government's tendency to royally screw things up BUT with the beetles having been proven to work in other places, perhaps it won't be the end of the world.

The invasive plants must be a problem in that the deer apparently don't eat em down. ;D

Gotta wonder what the beetles eat after the target plants are gone and if the bettles all die during winter or what. Let's hope it's all been figured out.

[Twanger]

This kinda thing has a history of backfiring. Maybe they've done their homework. Maybe not.
What if they start eating something else that's 'good'?

[freedomrules3]

i agree, 9 times out of 10 this sorta thing backfires into something worse. i also wonder what else they may decide to eat or how rapid they reproduce . in WV they released ladybugs to eat the mites, now ladybugs cluster everywhere and are overpopulated to an extreme. most time mother nature has a way of taking care of her own problems without us getting involved.

[Rock Chuck]

They've done this a few times in Idaho with good results. They're very careful to fully research the critters before they turn them loose.

Dick