Update on the Light Brown Apple Moth from Supervisor Charles McGlashan

Dear Friends,

While relatively non-toxic twist ties will be used in San Rafael and northern Marin beginning in March, it became very clear last week that the State does, in fact, intend to spray in Southern Marin this summer. Here is the link to view last week’s State hearing on the County’s G-Channel:

http://www.co.marin.ca.us/G-Channel/Default.aspx

I want the State to delay the start of aerial spraying and give the lower-impact twist ties a chance to work. I understand the need to protect our organic agricultural economy, but there are indeed concerns about the potential unintended consequences of spraying, and the chemicals that might be used. My office will do everything we can to ensure that what the state is proposing is indeed the best recourse for eradication. Our understanding is that the chemical used for aerial spraying is a synthetic pheromone inside a microscopic plastic capsule, and that this product is not recommended for use near water.

I will advocate in the strongest possible terms for using the least toxic approach, as soon as possible, so we can avoid aerial spraying altogether. Southern Marin's environment has taken too many hits already in recent months. I will request that the State use the same twist ties in Southern Marin that they will be using in San Rafael in March. The good news, if there is any, is that we have until August to find a better method than spraying. We will keep you informed as these discussions progress.

Best Regards,
Charles McGlashan, President
Marin County Board of Supervisors
District 3 - Southern Marin