PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, after thorough evaluation of all other alternatives and
in accordance with RCW 17.24.171, the Director of the Department
of Agriculture has requested that the governor order emergency
measures to control the pest; and
WHEREAS, the most effective and preferred treatment alternative
for eradicating this pest includes a combination of:
• | removal of all plants, including trees and selected tree stumps, of species susceptible to citrus longhorned beetle infestation as listed in WAC 16-470-830 on public and private property within an area of up to one eighth of a mile radius from the beetle escape site, |
• | injection of the systemic insecticide imidacloprid into trees or tree root zones within an area of up to one quarter mile radius from the beetle escape site, |
• | ground and aerial survey, including brush cutting to secure access to susceptible vegetation and removal of susceptible vegetation which is too hazardous to survey for the beetle within an area of up to one half mile radius from the beetle escape site, |
• | removal of all vegetation shown to be infested and removal or injection of all potential host species located within an 82 foot radius of infested vegetation, within a half mile radius from the beetle escape site, and |
• | mitigation of environmental effects by replanting of damaged sensitive areas, replacement of yard and garden trees, and other revegetation; and |
NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, governor of the state of Washington,
by virtue of the authority vested in me under RCW 43.06.010, RCW 38.52.050, and all other applicable law, find that a public
disaster exists within the state which affects life, health,
property or the public peace, and further find that there exists
within this state an imminent danger of infestation of plant
pests or plant diseases which seriously endangers the
agricultural or horticultural industries of the state, or which
seriously threatens life, health, or economic well-being, do
hereby declare a state of emergency and, notwithstanding
provisions of state law, including but not limited to the State
Environmental Policy Act, chapter 43.21C RCW, the Growth
Management Act, chapter 36.70A RCW, and further notwithstanding
all local and county ordinances, authorize and order the Director
of the Department of Agriculture to use emergency measures,
including ground and aerial survey, vegetation removal,
insecticide injection, and selective revegetation of the affected
areas as described above, to prevent or abate the infestation or
disease situation.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the state of Washington to be affixed at Olympia, this 25th day of June, A.D., Two Thousand Two. | ||
Gary Locke Governor of Washington |
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BY THE GOVERNOR:
Assistant Secretary of State |