Concord committee drafting letter to state environmental agency on pesticide impacts; members to research seed treatments

The Town of Concord Pollinator Committee said it has a draft letter intended for the state Department of Environmental Protection asking what the town can do to reduce pesticide impacts on pollinators, particularly along the Sudbury River corridor near a local golf course.

A committee member said she has drafted the letter and plans to consult with a contact who works at a nearby facility (possibly in Westborough) to edit the text before the committee finalizes it. The member said the letter’s central question is “what can we do to help reduce the impact of pesticides on pollinators?” and that the committee will return to the group for approval after it incorporates the contact’s suggested edits.

Committee members also discussed agricultural seed treatments and insecticides used on ornamental plants. The group mentioned a product name, “Farmore,” described in conversation as available from some seed catalogs and having a favorable rating for bees, though participants said they would research the ingredients and the product further. Members also referenced other seed treatments (including a mention of “cruiser 5 f f s”) and agreed to research whether those products contain neonicotinoids or other compounds of concern.

Why it matters: the committee framed the letter and follow-up research as part of its effort to protect pollinators in riparian corridors and community plantings. Members emphasized that the town’s options may depend on state-level expertise and on information about specific products and their ingredients.

Discussion and next steps Members agreed the committee should seek outside input before sending the letter; one member will show the draft to a state facility contact for editing and then bring the revised draft back to the committee. Separately, members agreed to research seed-treatment products mentioned in the meeting and report findings to the group. The committee noted related concerns about household and pet products (for example, tick collars) and ornamental plant treatments that may contain similar active ingredients.

Ending: The committee will revise the draft letter after consultation with a state contact, continue product research, and return the revised letter and research findings to the committee for further discussion and approval.