Public land is only 9.1% of ND. Treating the public land water sources with current long release aquatic fly control products (Bt Briquets) may not be as costly as one might think. Assuming the GnF can recognize the drought conditions that make EHD outbreaks more likely and respond in a meaningful fashion. Which I doubt they will, can, or even care about. I would submit that the vast majority of public ponds, sloughs, and other waters can be accessed by foot or atv. Aerial applications would be the last method I would choose to use. As a result those associated expenses wouldn't apply. Aquatic fly control is used by every mosquito control dept everywhere as an integral tool in controling mosquito populations throughout the season. It's not new technology and works on aquatic midges as well because they are flies too. Biting midges are controled on golf courses all across this land using the same method and it works. The GnF just has to decide to look into the matter and decide to research the possibilities. I'm not saying they will work and I'm not saying they won't work, but no research has been done that I'm aware of to check. Private lands are the responsibility of the private landowner.
