Input still sought for gypsy moth program alternatives
For the second time in as many days, Pelham Town Council heard from residents on an important issue that, despite only having directly affected certain pockets of town, could have large scale impacts if not dealt with in a timely and sufficient manner.
The gypsy moth infestation that the Town and residents battled in 2019 was mitigated through an aerial spray program that yielded desired results: trees were saved.
However, despite the program’s success, there is an appetite for staff and Council to gain public input on how future year’s programs should be conducted, at what cost, and how that cost will be shared, if at all.
Jason Marr, director of public works, gave a presentation on the origins and biology of the gypsy moth as well as the process that unfolded in 2019, outlining the spray program itself, where spray blocks were situated, timelines, costs, and ultimately, six alternatives for consideration moving forward.
The room also heard how climate change plays a role in invasive species and their intrusion to the municipality. The global spread of harmful forest pest species, like the gypsy moth, is a direct consequence of change, permitting the invasive species opportunity to expand their boundaries. The risk of damage caused by the Gypsy Moth to Canada’s deciduous forests is estimated to grow from the current 15 per cent to more than 75 per cent by 2050.
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Click the image to enlarge the alternatives
“Most likely we will have some type of spray program next year,” said Marr, alluding to the fact that the infestation survey has not been undertaken to date. “We did receive approval from Council to retain a forestry consultant to complete an infestation survey.”
Without the study, early, rough estimates indicate that a similar spray program to 2019 would be in the ballpark of $100,000.
When residents shared their stories, comments, and feelings on all things gypsy moth, many ideas spanning from using volunteers to creating a committee to using home prevention methods came to the forefront. However, Council and staff would like as much feedback as possible in determining what program will be most effective in mitigating the gypsy moth infestation and is amenable to residents. Though all comments were recorded by staff, there is further opportunity for residents to submit feedback on the gypsy moth spray program in general as well as ideas and endorsements for how to proceed moving forward. To do this, residents can email gypsymoth@pelham.ca.
Paul Robertson of Trees Unlimited was on hand to answer questions from Council and residents, responding to inquiries on costs, mapping, surveying and more.
For more information on the gypsy moth aerial spray program in 2019 and more, visit: www.pelham.ca/gypsy-moth