Officials have moths under control

By Tyler Olsen Morning Star

A regional program once aimed at eradicating coddling moths in the southern interior is now aimed at controlling the pest, and doing a good job of it, Sterile Insect Release officials told Spallumcheen council Monday. “We are trying to get the program to a management level as opposed to an eradication level,” SIR board member, and Salmon Arm councillor, Kevin Flynn told council. Spallumcheen politicians had asked SIR representatives to come before council to answer questions as to the future of the program, to which the township contributed over $15,000 last year. Council heard that the program was introduced in 1991 but that by 1997 it had become clear that the moths were here to stay. Funded by senior government, by tax on valley landowners and by parcel taxes on orchardists, more than $58 million has been spent on the inter-regional program. But Flynn said the money has been well spent. Not only has SIR curbed the spread of the damaging coddling moth, said Flynn, but it has dramatically reduced the amount of pesticides used by orchardists. “I think it’s well worth it to try and pressure pests and hopefully improve air quality and water quality,” said Flynn. Spallumcheen council had questioned the money spent on the program, noting the open-ended time frames being discussed. But Flynn and program manager Cara McCurrach said Spallumcheen taxpayers provide just a minor fraction of the program’s funding – less than six-tenths of a percentage point – and that regional involvement is needed to ensure SIR remains effective. “The one key thing with this program is it has to be area-wide. The co-operation of everybody involved is what makes it successful,” said McCurrach.