Indiana’s DNR is conducting ongoing aerial warfare to combat the invasive and destructive spongy moth.

Aerial mating disruption treatments conducted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources divisions of Forestry and Entomology & Plant Pathology to slow the spread of spongy moth are planned for June 19. Treatments may occur earlier in the week or later depending on weather.

Spongy moth is one of North America’s most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation across the eastern United States.

Treatments for the destructive pest using SPLAT GM-Organic are planned in Huntington County.

The treatments will begin shortly after sunrise but could be delayed until later in the morning or the next day due to unfavorable weather conditions such as morning fog or rain. Treatment time will vary depending on the size of the treatment site.

A yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops will conduct the treatments, starting at sunrise and continuing throughout the scheduled day, as the weather and flight schedules permit. With favorable weather, treatments may be completed by late morning or early afternoon.

SPLAT GM-Organic is a biodegradable, food grade material infused with the female moths’ pheromone to attract and confuse the male moths so mating does not take place. The material does not affect people, animals, plants or any insects other than the spongy moth.

Once treatment begins, rain or high wind may interrupt it for the day. If inclement weather happens, treatment will resume the next suitable day and continue until all sites have been treated.

Updates of the aerial applications will be posted on X (formerly Twitter) @INdnrinvasive. DNR will also issue news releases to update the status.

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas or to view maps of all treatment locations, or for more information, see on.IN.gov/spongymoth.

DNR law enforcement employees honored

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division proudly announces two of its employees were honored with national awards during the 2026 International Hunter Education Association U.S.A. (IHEA USA) Meeting and Training held this past week in Glendale, Ariz.

Indiana Hunter Education coordinator Tim Beck received the IHEA USA Hunter Education Coordinator of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding service to the agency and his exceptional contributions to hunter education. The award honors an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the IHEA USA mission while promoting hunter education, shooting sports and R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) efforts across the state.

Indiana Conservation Officer Tony Mann was honored with the Tom Gallagher Award for Tree Stand Safety Awareness. The national award is presented to an active hunter education instructor who is also a certified tree stand safety instructor and who demonstrates exceptional commitment to promoting tree stand safety at the state and national levels. Recipients serve as advocates for tree stand safety beyond their formal instructional roles, helping ensure hunters remain informed and protected in the field.

The Indiana DNR Law Enforcement Division congratulates both individuals for their achievements and thanks them for their continued dedication to Indiana’s outdoor community and hunter education programs.

Ohio River Greenway extension open

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the city of Jeffersonville celebrated the opening of the Ohio River Greenway extension at a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 5.

“Trails create vital links between people and the places they love, and this extension of the Ohio River Greenway strengthens connections across states, communities, and parks,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Jeffersonville to help build this important link, opening the door to even greater outdoor exploration throughout the region.”

The 0.35-mile asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by the city of Jeffersonville with help from a $2,359,832 grant administered by the DNR.

The extension adds a critical connection to the Ohio River Greenway, extending the trail west from Jeffersonville beneath the Interstate 65 Bridge. The new trail comes close to the Falls Of The Ohio State Park, where a short sidewalk connection links into the existing trail in Clarksville. The Jeffersonville end of the trail also connects to the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, which extends into Kentucky and connects to the trail networks in Louisville.

“The completion of the Ohio River Greenway is a huge milestone for our community,” said Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore. “Despite the obstacles that come with building along the river and within floodplains, we never lost sight of the vision. It’s an exciting time to celebrate a trail that connects Jeffersonville to Clarksville, New Albany and Louisville, creating more opportunities for walking, biking, and recreation. The Greenway brings our communities and families together, and we’re so proud to see a project, decades in the making, become a reality.”

Indiana’s DNR has led the largest infusion of trails funding in state history, with $180 million in dedicated trail funding administered through DNR facilitating critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. 

‘till next time, 

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com. Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.