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Public Meeting Announced as Mormon Cricket Swarms Confirmed in Lake County

Oregon-Washington
Lakeview DO
Media Contact
BLM OR/WA Press
BLM Office:
Lakeview District Office

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  and the Bureau of Land Management will host a public meeting Wednesday in Adel to address the rising Mormon Cricket populations in Lake County.

Over the past two weeks, residents and county officials have reported heavy swarming activity over Highway 140 outside of Adel. Initial surveys completed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service during the week of June 1 officially confirmed positive sightings of the crickets and officials now warn that the infestation is expanding. Mormon crickets can cause significant agricultural and ecological damage and create hazardous road conditions. The insects are flightless, shield-backed katydids that can travel up to a mile or two per day.

The BLM has formally requested treatment assistance from USDA APHIS Plant Protection & Quarantine and effective strategies on public rangelands that have demonstrated success in suppressing cricket populations.

How the Public Can Help

Community eyes on the ground are critical. Wildlife officials are updating infestation maps and urge the public to report any Mormon Cricket or major grasshopper swarms to [email protected].

Public Meeting Details

  • When: Wednesday, June 10, 6pm
  • Where: Adel Community Center/Elementary School, 18286 Twentymile Rd, Adel, OR 97620
  • Purpose: To provide a status update, treatment strategies, share current maps, and hold a community information session.

All local landowners, ranchers, and concerned residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.