Hidden Valley WMA in Washington County will be closed from May 15 to June 1. The closure is needed to allow time for aerial spraying for gypsy moths. Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on tree leaves and can completely defoliate large areas of forest, which often leads to death of the affected trees. To keep the WMA forest alive and healthy, contractors will spray an insecticide from a helicopter.
Although the insecticide does not pose any known risk to humans, the WMA will be closed to minimize the risk of exposure to both the spray and the other public safety hazards associated with the aerial spraying operation. The WMA closure affects Hidden Valley Lake, Hidden Valley boating access, Brumley Creek special regulation trout stream, the Brumley Mountain Trail and Sky Craft Road.