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Commission discusses spotted lanternfly presence in Northampton and plans outreach at Arbor Day
Summary
Commissioners noted the spotted lanternfly is listed on the state dashboard as present in Northampton (as of 2025) and agreed to table MDAR/USDA outreach materials and small wallet cards at Arbor Day to help residents report sightings.
Commissioners raised the spotted lanternfly after referencing the state dashboard indicating an infestation is present in Northampton as of 2025. Members said they had not received direct communication from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) but concluded monitoring is ongoing.
The commission agreed it would be useful to include MDAR/USDA informational flyers and small wallet cards at the Arbor Day table; these materials typically include photos of egg masses and a QR code that links to reporting forms. A commissioner volunteered to check with contacts (Jennifer Foreman Orth was suggested) to secure printed outreach materials, and staff said the online dashboard includes a reporting form that allows photo uploads and location details.
No eradication activity or agency enforcement action was reported at the meeting; the commission focused on public education and encouraging residents to report sightings via the state reporting portal.
