| PLUMSTED |
 |
TOWNSHIP |
Pride in Plumsted, the State's
Center
|
Town Talk By Mayor Ron
Dancer
November 26, 2007
Township Committee Approves Gypsy Moth Spraying |
The Department of
Agriculture inspectors have completed the gypsy moth survey in Plumsted’s
wooded areas, as requested by the Township Committee. The survey results show
that outbreaks of the leaf eating gypsy moths are expected in the Spring.
Approximately 1,600 acres of woodland in Plumsted qualify for the gypsy moth
aerial suppression program. The Township Committee has notified the State
Department of Agriculture of our commitment to participate for the third
consecutive year in their 2008 aerial spray program, well in advance of the
December 14th deadline set by the State.
Consistent with the past two years, the Township
Committee will appropriate funding in 2008 from the voter approved “Recreation,
Historic, Farmland, Open Space and Natural Lands Trust Fund” to once again
spray for gypsy moths. The ballot question in Plumsted approved by the voters
set forth it will be used for not only the “maintenance, development and
preservation” of recreation, historic and farmlands, but the “maintenance” of Natural Lands and Open Space as well. Not only
has the preservation of nearly 4,000 acres in Plumsted been a priority, but the
stewardship of its’ maintenance as well.
Last year, more than $50,000 of the $219,000 in
total revenues to the Trust Fund from the voter approved two (2) cents on the
tax rate, was appropriated for the gypsy moth spray program. Additionally,
portions of the “maintenance and development” funding from the Trust Fund will
also provide for new recreation playground equipment next year; enhanced
security patrols for our parks; increased law enforcement patrols of our
preserved woodlands to reduce the criminal activities of illegal dumping; drug
use; and underage drinking, as well as, improvements to the Historic Museum,
etc.
A majority of the woodland
effected by the gypsy moth that may be sprayed in the Spring is located in the
area of Route 539 and 528 intersections and continuing east to Hawkin Road. The
proposed spray areas will not be finalized until after a meeting with
Department of Agriculture officials in March, at which time a proposed spray
area map will be available for public review. Generally, the spraying kills
about 65% of the gypsy moth population. The goal is suppression, not eradication,
in order to reduce the gypsy moth population so that natural predators can
control the infestation.
The gypsy moth population flourished after dry
weather stunted the growth of a natural occurring fungus that kills the eggs.
Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliated approximately 125,000 acres around the State
last year. Two or three years of gypsy moth infestation can cause the trees to
die as a result of completely stripping the trees of their green leaves. Prior
to the Spring spraying for gypsy moths, public notices will appear in local
newspapers, as well as, public meetings and mailing notices to property owners
in the areas to be sprayed.
Anyone interested in serving
on the Arts Council, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at 758-2241 x 101.
The next regularly scheduled public meetings with the new
administration of Township Committee members Mike McCue, Eric Sorchik, Ada
Roberts, and Mayor Ron Dancer is Wednesday, December 19th at 8:00 P.M.
(There is no meeting December 5th). Public comments and participation are
encouraged at all Township Committee meetings. . Browse the Township website:
www.plumsted.org and
www.mainstreetne.org for more
information and current events.
Meet The Mayor 2007
Schedule |
As a result of the new Township Committee meeting
schedule, the dates for the monthly one-on-one personal meeting sessions with
Mayor Ron Dancer at the Library every month have also been revised. In 2007,
meet personally with the Mayor at the Library on the second (2nd) Wednesday
of each month (December 12 th) from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss Local
concerns or State issues. Residents may call the Library (758-7888) in advance
to schedule a specific time.
Can't get to the meetings or the hours scheduled at the
library. To discuss your concerns and issues personally with the mayor,
click for more information.
Contact the Mayor at State
Legislative Office |
Residents may also contact our State Legislative office at
732-901-0702 to meet or speak with Senator Bob Singer or Assemblyman Joe
Malone. Concerning Federal issues, contact Congressman Chris Smith at
732-350-2300 and for County issues contact Freeholder Director John P. Kelly at
800-722-0291.
For more information on our Township, residents are
also encouraged to visit website:
www.mainstreetsusa.com
and
the official web site of Ocean County Government:
www.oceancountygov.com.
The
New Egypt Press, our official weekly newspaper, is now on line at:
www.newegyptpress.com.
|
