A method of determining gypsy moth defoliation impact with use of geographic information systems to map defoliation: a management approach.

Abstract

The gypsy moth has destroyed increasing amounts of foliage over the past few years. In an effort to examine this problem, we developed a method to determine the level of defoliation at Colonial Point on Burt Lake and UMBS on Douglas Lake, in Cheboygan County, Michigan. We then entered this data into a geographic information system and produced defoliation/ecosystem maps to determine if there was a correlation between ecosystem type and level of defoliation. We found that the gypsy moth had done significant damage to trees on Colonial Point and the residential area of the Biological Station, and that there was in fact a correlation between ecosystem type and level of defoliation. We next produced a workable decision tree to recommend general gypsy moth management programs. Finally, we recommended site specific gypsy moth management programs for both Colonial Point and the Biological Station.