The department is also asking for $928,000 for spongy moth eradication. The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is widely considered to be one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States. The department anticipates that spongy moth eradication efforts could be needed in Lakewood and Kent next spring, but they won’t know for sure until surveys are completed in October. The golden mussel has not yet established itself in Washington state, though it has been intercepted on some ships from California. Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.