About Us

The name of this organization shall be the National Lymantria Management Board (NLMB)

The purpose of the Board shall be to act as a technical advisory group to assist in coordinating Lymantria dispar activities in the United States; to periodically review Federal, State, and local Lymantria dispar programs, projects, and activities, including research; to make recommendations to the United States Department of Agriculture, State agencies and private organizations, particularly regarding development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for Lymantria dispar and the eradication of isolated spot infestations; to conduct programs to educate the public and others about the Lymantria dispar (including an annual public meeting); to act as a focal point for nationwide concerns about the Lymantria dispar.

History of the National Lymantria Management Board

by Michael McManus (USDA/FS; Connecticut)

In the late 1960's, as a result of the tremendous and unexplained increases in Lymantria dispar populations in the Eastern United States, and because of the increasing environmental concern about the use of pesticides, the regulatory officials of the Eastern states and the United States Department of Agriculture, recognized the urgent need for research to develop new control tools and strategies to address the problem. In 1968 concerned regulatory agencies, organizations and individuals were brought together to organize a major effort to address the Lymantria dispar problem and issues, thus, creating an Ad-Hoc group known as the National GM Council (NGMC). The purpose of the NGMC was to secure funding for the initiation of an accelerated research and development program. The Council attempted to focus on four objectives: (1) to support continuing research and control efforts, (2) to provide a flow of information on Lymantria dispar, (3) to act as a clearing house for the coordination of research efforts, (4) and to seek funding resources. The Council held a number of annual meetings to address Lymantria dispar issues and conducted forums on research programs. The first Chairman of the NGMC was Leland H. Bull, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture.

ln 1971, funding was re-directed within the USDA, including funds appropriated by Congress, for the purpose of addressing and accelerating Lymantria dispar research needs. In 1975-78, the research and development effort was restructured into what was known as the Expanded Lymantria dispar Program and was included as part of the Combined Forest Pest Research and Development program, known as the "Three Bug Program." This Program also addressed the R&D needs for two other major forest pests, the southern pine beetle and the Douglas-fir tussock moth. At the conclusion of the Combined Forest Pest R&D Program, there was a recognized need to continue the coordination among state and federal agencies to address the continuing Lymantria dispar efforts. Therefore in 1978 National Lymantria dispar Council was restructured into what is now recognized as the National GM Management Board (NGMMB).

The stated purpose of the NGMMB was to serve as a coordinating body for all Lymantria dispar activities in the U.S., to evaluate Lymantria dispar programs and activities, to make recommendations, and seek cooperation from the USDA and affected states regarding Lymantria dispar management, to seek funds, and to educate and communicate with the public on Lymantria dispar matters. Guidelines for the NGMMB were changed in 1982 to redefine the Board's purpose. The first Chairman was Robert M. Altman, Maryland Department of Agriculture.

The NGMMB operates under Bylaws and functions with a chairman, vice-chairman, and Executive Committee. Membership of the Board includes representatives from state and federal Agencies, industry, and private organizations. The Board sponsors the "Annual Lymantria dispar Review" which is held each Fall and hosted by a state organization.

The past Chairmen of the NGMC and the NGMMB are listed below.

National GM Advisory Council
1968-69: Leland H. Bull, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
1970-71: William H. Gillespie, West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture
1972-73: William M. Cranstoun, New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture
1974-77: Caleb L. Morris, Virginia Division of Forestry

National GM Management Board
1978-79: Robert M. Altman, Maryland Department of Agriculture
1980-81: William W. Metterhouse, New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture
1982-83: Donald H. Kludy, Virginia Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
1984-85: James O. Nichols, Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources
1986-87: Howard Singletary, North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture
1988-89: Allan Miller, West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture
1990-91: William H. Metterhouse, New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture
1992-93: Art Mason, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
1994-95: Donald A. Eggen, Delaware Department of Agriculture
1996-97: William H. Buzzard, Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources
1998-99: Willard A. Dickerson, North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture
2000-2001: David Blackburn, Arkansas State Plant Board