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Supervisor Ferrero warns of advancing glassy-winged sharpshooter; board may consider mandatory eradication and state grants
Summary
Supervisor Ferrero reported the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter is spreading in parts of the county, noting voluntary eradication compliance is low and that the board may consider a mandatory eradication item next meeting; county has secured over $5 million in state funding so far and is seeking an additional $1 million.
Supervisor Ferrero told colleagues that the county’s interim agricultural commissioner reported advancing spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter into District 2 and other areas. Ferrero said noncompliance with voluntary eradication measures has been a key factor and that staff is preparing an item for the board to consider mandatory eradication measures and to pursue additional state grant funding.
"We are losing a battle," Ferrero said, summarizing staff concern about voluntary noncompliance; she said the county has received more than $5,000,000 in state funding to date and that the board will consider seeking about $1,000,000 in additional state grant support. Ferrero said the next meeting will include a formal item to consider mandatory measures if necessary.
Board members acknowledged the scale of the problem and the need for funding continuity; no formal policy decision was made during the July 28 meeting, and supervisors said they will return with options and potential funding requests.
