Last week I wrote about the black fly problem this fall in PA, and how an early end to the DEPs spraying of local rivers is to blame. I also filed a complaint on the website that explains how the states Black Fly Suppression Program works, and I just received a response; a response which urges that everyone who was bugged by these bugs contact their state legislators to urge the continued funding of the program. Heres why: The program is now under threat due to budget cuts, and should this program cease to exist, what you have experienced since August will be the new normal starting in April and continuing all summer. Under this scenario, by late summer/early fall, gnat numbers would likely be even higher than they are now because the early generations would not be suppressed. That quote is from Ben Russell, Water Pollution Biologist III for the PA DEP, who heads the black fly suppression program for Lehigh and Northampton counties and responded to my complaint (and those of about five dozen other residents from our area). He says, I strongly encourage all complainants to contact their state legislators to tell them that you strongly support this program and the benefits is brings to general citizen quality of life as well as outdoor tourism and recreation. You can determine who the state legislators are in your area by visiting legis.state.pa.us and use the Find My Legislator options on the left. You can write the legislator for your home area or all the legislators who cover your county or as many legislators as you feel like contacting.The state legislature determines the final budget each year and this program is funded through a specific line item in the DEP portion of the state budget. Im going to be contacting my legislator about this and I sincerely hope you will contact yours (either Rep. Bob Freeman or Rep. Justin Simmons). Black flies like weve had the past few weeks ALL SUMMER LONG...?? NO THANKS!!
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 17:33:24 +0000
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