PLUMSTED — For the fourth consecutive year, the Plumsted Township Committee has notified the state Department of Agriculture of its commitment to participate in the 2009 gypsy moth aerial spray suppression program.
The committee’s decision was reached following a review of the Department of Agriculture’s field inspector’s gypsy moth survey of Plumsted’s wooded areas, according to Mayor Ron Dancer.
Dancer said Committeeman Eric Sorchik has scheduled an informational briefing for residents regarding this year’s gypsy moth spraying program for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the municipal building, 121 Evergreen Road. Maps of the proposed spray areas and informational material will be available for this briefing.
A majority of the woodland affected by gypsy moths that may be sprayed in the spring is in the general area of Route 539 and Route 528 intersections and continuing east to Hawkin Road. Generally, the spraying kills about 65 percent of the gypsy moth population.
The goal is suppression, not eradication, in order to reduce the gypsy moth population so that natural predators can control the infestation, according to the mayor.
The state Department of Agriculture has proposed spraying more than 65,000 acres in 98 towns, primarily in Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, Sussex and Warren counties, in late May and early June.
Prior to the spring spraying for gypsy moths, public notices will appear in local newspapers, as well as mailing notices to property owners in the areas to be sprayed.
In other news, the New Egypt First Aid and Emergency Squad will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at the New Egypt Middle School cafeteria on Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Individuals must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 pounds to donate blood. Photo identification is required. For an appointment, call Andy or Lisa Harper at 609-758-8445 or call 1-800 GIVE LIFE.
Dancer said Plumsted has employment opportunities for building and grounds maintenance.
More information is available at the township’s Internet Web site, www.plumsted. org. Résumés should be submitted to Business Administrator Richard Kachmar by fax, 609-758-0123, or by e-mail at busadm@ plumsted.org.
In observance of the Presidents Day holiday weekend, the recycling, bulk waste, leaf and branch sites will be closed on Feb. 14.
Dancer said that due to the success and demand for Plumsted’s senior citizen free tax preparation service at the library, 119 Evergreen Road, residents must pre-register and schedule an appointment by calling tollfree the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 1-800-668-4899. The available dates for Plumsted’s senior citizen free tax preparation services are on the following Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m.: Feb. 17, 24, and March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.