Board of Health investigated cranberry aerial fertilizer concerns; commission plans public education

The commission reported that the Board of Health received a complaint from a Route 79 neighbor about helicopter application of materials at a local cranberry bog owned by Doug Johnson. A commission member said he contacted a local expert and confirmed the application was a mid‑bloom fertilizer, not an aerial pesticide spray.

Kevin, identified in the meeting as the Board of Health agent, checked the concern and discussed cranberry production practices with the commission. The commission member who had heard the complaint said he offered to meet with the resident raising concerns and that the resident expressed satisfaction with the Board of Health follow‑up.

Members discussed producing educational materials for residents explaining common cranberry production activities — including irrigation pumps, helicopter operations for granular fertilizer, and licensed applicator practices — and suggested posting information on the commission’s webpage or recording a talk for Lake Cam to run seasonally. The commission noted that most pesticide applications in the area are delivered through irrigation systems by licensed applicators and that helicopter use in the town has generally been for granular mid‑bloom fertilizer.

Separately, members reported a shortfall of interest in harvesting a 40‑acre field at Betty’s Neck after the prior harvester declined; social media outreach reached about 1,200 people but produced no takers. The commission said the town’s Selectmen office (Lorraine Carboni handling inquiries) would continue to accept inquiries for a longer‑term arrangement to manage the parcel.