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Rye conservation panel lifts ban to permit targeted insecticide spraying on three Town Forest trails
Summary
The Rye Conservation Commission voted unanimously to reverse a prior prohibition and allow targeted insecticide spraying on the Orange, Red and White trails in the Town Forest following advice from the Town Health Officer; members debated timing, pesticide choice and jurisdiction over trail segments.
The Rye Conservation Commission voted on June 2 to reconsider and lift its previous ban on insecticide spraying for a defined portion of the Town Forest trails, allowing spraying on the Orange, Red and White trails that connect Parsons Field to the recreation area. The motion, brought by Secretary/Clerk Hugh Lee and seconded by Treasurer Gary Terhune, passed by recorded vote.
The motion cited guidance from Dr. Gail Snow, the Town Health Officer, and followed discussion about whether the spraying is aimed at mosquitoes or ticks. Secretary/Clerk Hugh Lee told the commission that "it was apparent at the earlier meeting with the select board that the Town Health Officer believes in the efficacy of insecticide spraying, particularly on that trail that is utilized by young folks traversing to the recreation area." Member Michael Bean said he understood the control effort was primarily for ticks and Lyme disease and noted Dragon Mosquito Control’s practice of timing leaf drags in spring and spraying in October if needed.
Commissioners discussed pesticide application details. Chair Shawn Joyce noted Dragon Mosquito Control does not spray the Yellow Trail because it is the wettest trail in the Town Forest. Treasurer Gary Terhune observed that Dragon avoids spraying over standing water and vernal pools. Commissioners reviewed a map and confirmed the affected route consists of the Red, Orange and White trails.
The final motion amended the original language to specify only the Orange, Red and White trails and passed with an affirmative vote by all participating members. The motion does not mandate an immediate spray event; the amended language lifts the prior prohibition for those trail segments and asks the Mosquito Control Commission to evaluate town properties with trails for potential spraying and to report recommendations back to the Conservation Commission.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to allow Vice-Chair Victor Odryna to participate via Zoom: moved by Hugh Lee, seconded by Michael Bean; roll call recorded with affirmative votes and motion passed. - Motion to reconsider and lift insecticide-spraying prohibition for specified trails: moved by Hugh Lee, seconded by Gary Terhune; recorded vote: Michael Bean – Aye; Glenn Suchocki – Aye; Gary Terhune – Aye; Shawn Joyce – Aye; Joe Marttila – Aye; Hugh Lee – Aye; Victor Odryna – Aye. Motion passed.
Why it matters: The decision narrows prior blanket restrictions to allow targeted spraying on trails used by recreational youth access to the rec area. Residents who spoke during public comment urged the commission to rely on more ecological data and clarified trail ownership and jurisdiction before applying insecticides.
What happens next: The Mosquito Control Commission has been asked to evaluate town properties with trails and recommend whether other trails should be sprayed based on usage or other criteria. The Conservation Commission did not specify an effective date for spraying and did not set an immediate application schedule during the meeting.
Authorities and references mentioned during discussion included the Town Health Officer Dr. Gail Snow and Dragon Mosquito Control (private contractor). Public commenters referenced a prior 2014 Appalachian Mountain Club survey by Alex DeLucia and noted that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) had previously approved a bog-bridge installation on town land.
