PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met May 23. The highlight of resolutions was one that honored Jeffrey L. Pierson, a member of Upper Township Committee and retired brigadier general U.S. Army, on receiving an honorary doctorate of letters from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Pierson was presented with a copy of the resolution, and Mayor Richard Palombo pointed out many schools, public and private, recognize individuals who make notable contributions to society by awarding such honorary doctorate degrees.
Pierson’s honorary doctorate is an acknowledgment of his accomplishments and achievements that serve a greater good. Pierson served 42 years in the Army, is an alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and continues to work with a host of civic organizations in South Jersey.
Several other resolutions were adopted. Committee authorized the engineer to prepare specifications and solicit bids for the reconstruction of Bayview Drive Boat Ramp. They are in the process of obtaining all of the necessary permits and expectations are that the ramp will be completed over the summer.
Committee also authorized the purchase of five lifeguard stands to replace the older wooden stands that are no longer serviceable.
Additionally, it approved the appointment of the 2016 season Beach Patrol personnel. Mayor Palumbo indicated that there would be adequate but limited lifeguard coverage of the Strathmere beach over the upcoming three-day Memorial Day Weekend.
Gypsy Moths
The aerial spraying operation to reduce the gypsy moth population within the municipality that started May 2 will continue through June 1 or until completion.
The program is being conducted to protect the township’s shade tree resources. The exact dates of application will depend on climatic conditions and the development of caterpillars and trees in each area. To ensure precise placement of the spray, aircraft will conduct application only when there is little or no wind.
Daily spray operations normally are conducted early, between 5:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and possibly between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. However, no pesticide application for gypsy moth control will take place between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
Gypsy moth egg mass surveys, conducted by the state Department of Agriculture, indicated that gypsy moth populations will be very high during May and June 2016.
Leaf feeding by the caterpillars will cause severe defoliation of many trees. Consequently, the municipality has entered into a cooperative control program with the state Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service.
This program is being operated on an integrated approach, utilizing a pesticide with a naturally-occurring active ingredient to reduce defoliating populations of this forest pest.
The aerial spraying will be employed around residential and recreational areas to reduce tree loss while natural control agents will be encouraged to reduce pest levels in remote, uninhabited areas.
A municipal contact may be reached at (609) 628-2011 ext. 244, to answer any questions about the spraying and the exact timing and dates of treatment.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
