Plumsted plans to spray to control gypsy moths

PLUMSTED - Department of Agriculture inspectors have completed a 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 835 acres of woodland qualify for the gypsy moth aerial suppression program, according to information provided by Mayor Ron Dancer.

He said the committee is seeking a grant from the U.S. Forest Service that may provide up to 50 percent reimbursement of the aerial spray costs.

A majority of the woodland affected by the gypsy moth is located in the area of Route 539 and Route 528 intersections and continuing east to Hawkin Road.

The proposed spray areas will not be finalized until after a January meeting with Department of Agriculture officials. Generally, the spraying suppresses about 65 percent of the gypsy moth population, according to Dancer.

The goal of the spraying is suppression, not eradication, in order to reduce the gypsy moth population so that natural predators can control the infestation. Dancer said public notices will appear in local newspapers and notices will be mailed to property owners in the areas to be sprayed.

In other news, Committeeman Ken Francis, liaison to the road department, thanked the Ocean County Board of Freeholders and road department for scheduling and completing the paving of Ivins Drive prior to winter.

The Township Committee obtained a $75,000 grant from the state Depart-ment of Transportation to pay for the paving and drainage improvements on Ivins Drive.

With state and Ocean County grant funding recently obtained by the Township Committee, improvements to Plumsted's recycling center and recycling program are in progress.

The township acquired a vacant lot across the street from the recycling center and last week completed the paving to expand the area for recycling and to reduce the congestion at the one site.

With the new additional recycling site scheduled to open on Jan. 6, there will be more parking spaces added for the public's convenience for both the recycling center and police station, according to the mayor.

Additionally, the Township Commit-tee has authorized, with the grant funding, to expand the recycling days of operation from Wednesday (1-5 p.m.) and Saturday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to now include Monday (1-5 p.m.), beginning Jan. 8.

Newly elected committeemen Mike McCue and Eric Sorchik will be sworn in to office on Jan. 2.

The next regularly scheduled public meeting of the committee has been changed from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.