February 14, 2008
(415) 479-4920
San Rafael, CA - Assemblymember Jared Huffman will hold an informational hearing of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee regarding the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s proposed strategy to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth in the San Francisco Bay Area.
| Date: | **TODAY**Thursday, February 14, 2008 |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m. or upon adjournment of Session |
| Location: | Board of Supervisors Chambers, Room 330, at the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael |
| Attendees: | Assemblymember Jared Huffman, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and A.G. Kawamura, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture |
The Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) is an invasive pest that feeds on more than 2,000 plant species, including ornamental plants, food crops and California native plants. The LBAM, which is originally from Australia and New Zealand, was detected in the Bay Area last year prompting the United States Department and Agriculture (USDA) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to declare that emergency actions are needed to stop its spread.
CDFA has announced its eradication program including immediate action in Marin and other Bay Area counties. The purpose of the hearing is to examine the proposed strategies for eradication of the LBAM in the San Francisco Bay Area, the potential affects of the strategies on public health and the environment, and whether the agencies conducted adequate public education and preparation.
CONTACT:
Joshua Townsend
Joshua.townsend@asm.ca.gov
(415) 260-1647
Debra Gravert
Debra.gravert@asm.ca.gov
(916) 319-2006
District: 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 412 - San Rafael, CA 94903 - Tel: (415) 479-4720 - Fax: (415) 479-2123