Cost Share Available for Orchard Removal of Blocks with High Codling Moth Pressure Threatening Neighbor Orchards in Okanogan County
Washington State University, Wenatchee, Washington, in collaboration with the Okanogan County Pest Board are working to maintain economic viability of Okanogan County orchards by reducing codling moth pressure, a growing threat to orchards in the region, which became critical in late summer 2025. A WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant ‘Codling Moth Emergency Response’ will provide cost share for removal of orchard blocks with high codling moth levels which are threatening neighboring orchards in Okanogan County. The project will also work to minimize outside sources of codling moth through backyard apple and pear tree owner education and best practice demonstration as well as personnel for regrowth/wild tree scouting and removal response.
The goal of this program is to provide cost share for orchard removal of blocks with high codling moth levels which are threatening neighboring orchards.
Funding Source and Availability: Funding is available through a grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant ‘Codling Moth Emergency Response – Okanogan County’ to Washington State University Extension. Funding is available beginning October 1, 2026 pending USDA approval. Available funds are limited to $150,000 for approximately 200 acres of removal.
Eligibility
- Eligible apple or pear acreage with codling moth infestation.
- Affected acreage in Okanogan County (per funded grant requirements).
- The affected orchard is within 10 miles of other orchards owned by another legal entity.
- Greater than 1 acre removed.
- Costs were incurred after 9/30/2026 (the grant start date).
- Plan in place for follow-up management of root suckers.
Due Dates
Applications are reviewed for completion on an ongoing basis. Complete applications are ranked on a quarterly basis according to a Scoring Metric. Based on funding availability most highly rated applications are eligible for reimbursement. Codling Tree Removal Committee consulted for review as needed.
- quarter 1: due Nov 2, 2026
- quarter 2: due Jan 28, 2027
- quarter 3: due Mar 25, 2027
Required application documents:
- Documentation of codling moth infestation. Acceptable documentation include: photographs of infestation from multiple trees, verification letter by qualified field staff (WSU Extension, or pest board representative), packouts with notable codling moth downgrades (example Appendix 2). (Documentation can occur before Oct 1, 2026).
Required documentation for tree removal funds:
- Records of tree removal expenses (e.g. invoice from excavator, labor receipts). On-farm labor associated with removal can be charged up to $22/hr. Funds are available on a reimbursement basis for cost share of incurred expenses.
- Documentation of tree removal. Acceptable documentation include: photographs of block/trees after tree removal or verification form filled out by qualified field staff or WSU Extension (see Appendix 1).
- W9 (needed to set up in system for payment).
Reimbursement levels
- 75% cost share for up to 20 acres per applicant for tree removal. Up to $20,000 per application (grower/entity).
- Costs substantially more than $1,000 per acre only allowable if special circumstances exist. See list of area contractors.
Return forms to Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension (509) 713-5346 tianna.dupont@wsu.edu (Se habla Español)
