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Montague declines state aerial spraying for gypsy moths; estimates cost at about $200,000
Summary
The Township Committee unanimously decided not to opt into the NJ Dept. of Agriculture's 2025 LDD aerial suppression program after hearing that treatment would cover about 3,232 acres at roughly $60–$65 per acre and that the state may reimburse up to 50%.
Montague Township’s committee voted unanimously at its Oct. 8 meeting not to participate in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s 2025 gypsy moth (LDD) aerial suppression program, citing cost and concerns about effectiveness unless neighboring jurisdictions also participate.
Mayor Zitone summarized the department survey reported by Director Joe Zoltowski showing heavy outbreaks expected next spring. According to the summary provided at the meeting, approximately 2,346 acres in five blocks require a single application of Bacillus thuringiensis, and one block with high egg-mass counts would require a second treatment, bringing the total to about 3,232 acres. The estimated cost range discussed was $60–$65 per acre for a program cost on the order of $200,000; the state would reimburse up to 50%.
Committee members questioned the value of participating if adjacent areas do not join the program, noting hatchlings can disperse from nearby untreated land and potentially render aerial treatment ineffective. The committee also said results from last year’s treatment were difficult to evaluate. On that basis the committee unanimously agreed not to opt in; the township’s deadline to opt into the program is Nov. 29, 2024.
Next steps: The township will take no further action on opting in before the Nov. 29 deadline unless the committee revisits the matter.
