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Slow the Spread

www.slowthespread.org

Funding Sources: USDA Forest Service

The National Slow the Spread (STS) Program was launched in 2000 as one of the largest integrated pest management (IPM) programs in the world. Since the mid-1990’s the departments of Entomology at Virginia Tech and Michigan State University have collaborated on the innovative development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database technology to guide monitoring, treatment, and long-term decision-making.

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Project deliverables

01    Centralized GIS Database
02    Decision Algorithm
03    Interactive GIS Dashboards
04    Mobile Data Collection Toolkit
05    Analytics & Forecasting

Overview and Summary

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Key Achievements & Impacts

GIS & Database Framework
  • Centralized Database: All trapping, treatment, and monitoring data are integrated into a centralized system managed by the STS Information Systems Group, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and real-time access across states and agencies.
  • GIS Integration: The system uses ESRI ArcGIS platforms linked with Oracle relational databases to store, analyze, and visualize millions of data points, mapping population spread, tracking treatment effectiveness, and identifying high-risk areas.
  • Decision Algorithm: A spatially explicit decision algorithm analyzes trap catch data to define program boundaries, recommend management actions, and evaluate outcomes.
  • Mobile Technology: Field trappers use custom mobile applications to upload georeferenced trap data directly into the centralized system, reducing errors and improving data quality.
Measurable Impacts of Technology
  • Precision Monitoring: Since 2000, more than 1.4 million traps have been deployed, with placement and results tracked in real time through GIS-enabled tools.
  • Efficient Treatments: Over 3.76 million hectares have been treated based on data-driven analysis, ensuring that resources are focused where they are most effective.
  • Spread Reduction: The STS Program has reduced the moth’s rate of spread by 87%, exceeding its original 60% reduction goal, largely due to accurate GIS-based detection and intervention planning.
  • Transparency & Collaboration: The centralized database allows state, federal, and university partners to coordinate seamlessly, with standardized maps and reports guiding decisions.

Highlights

STS Story Map

The STS ArcGIS StoryMap ® is an interactive overview of the national management of Spongy Moth under the Slow the Spread Program. Included are an biological and ecological review; management history; and an overview of the STS program.

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Interactive Project Map

The STS interactive map viewer application allows you to explore all of the key data layers of the project. These include current project boundaries; proposed mitigation actions; current year proposed, placed and inspected trapping sites.

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Trapping Dashboard

The trapping analytics dashboard provides both a current year overview of the number of traps placed, but additionally provides the ability to browse historically placed traps. You can search by year and state which will provide a summary of total traps placed; total positive traps; and total moths caught.

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Treatment Dashboard

The treatment analytics dashboard provides you with a detailed overview of the treatment history. Users can filter treatment data by year, state and treatment type.

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