APHIS Seeks Comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Release of Aphalara itadori for Biological Control of Knotweeds in Alaska

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available to the public the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the release of the insect Aphalara itadori for the classical biological control of Japanese, Giant, and Bohemian Knotweeds, Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, and F. x bohemica, in Alaska.

The EA analyzes the potential environmental effects of Aphalara itadori to reduce the severity of Japanese (Fallopia japonica), Giant (F. sachalinensis), and Bohemian (F. x bohemica) Knotweed infestations, an invasive herbaceous perennial plant. We are making the EA available for public review and comment.

To view or comment on the EA:

  • Go to regulations.gov
  • Enter APHIS-2025-0011 in the Search field
  • Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents

Comments can also be sent to Docket No. APHIS-2025-0011, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, Permitting and Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, George Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Ave, Beltsville, MD, 20705.

All comments received will be considered and may result in changes to the proposed actions. For further information contact: Dr. Jinbo Wang, (301) 851-3884; email: Jinbo.Wang@usda.gov. Comments will be accepted until July 18, 2025.