Mosquito control district manager briefs commissioners; no board vacancies reported

Michael McKeag Foster, program manager for the Cowlitz County Mosquito Control District, briefed the commissioners about the district’s responsibilities and membership. Foster said the district was formed in 1991 to address growing mosquito problems and that the district monitors hundreds of breeding sites across the county, focusing primarily on larval control because it is more effective and cost-efficient than adult spraying.

Foster said the district operates on both public and private land, works with homeowners when possible and responds to requests from residents. He noted adulticide spraying is used in limited circumstances and that the district coordinates with state public-health authorities to monitor mosquito-borne disease. Commissioners and Foster discussed the district’s volunteer board appointments; Foster said there were no current openings and described which jurisdictions appoint members (cities such as Kelso, Longview, Woodland and Castle Rock appoint representatives).

Why it matters: mosquito control affects public health and quality of life; the district’s role and channels for residents to request service were clarified for the board.

Ending: The commissioners thanked the manager for the briefing and noted the district’s contact information is available for residents who need service.