We Got Jeff Lehman's Attention! - UPDATE POSTED BELOW

Mayor Jeff Lehman 's response: Barrie looked into spraying, but the cost could run between $300,000 and $1 million and the level of public consultation required meant the city lost its short window for the spray — which must be applied after larvae hatch, but before larval development — to be effective, Mayor Jeff Lehman said.

“I have been as alarmed as everyone else by the sudden arrival of the caterpillars everywhere at my own house,” he said. “We have taped our trees per the city’s instructions. If spraying is not possible, I’m hoping that the city can help by pushing out as much information as possible on how to stop this infestation.”

Lehman promised to inquire about the issue at Barrie’s May 25 council meeting.

******************

My Response: Aerial spray wouldn't have been necessary if the city was proactive prior to the infestation becoming a problem. Residents should have been properly informed about the lifecycle of a Gypsy Moth, what they look like at different stages and what to look for. There ARE resources available but they are difficult to find and many didn't go looking for them until the problem was already present, as they didn't know they needed to look for them. So many I spoke to, including myself, didn't know that these tiny black caterpillars were in fact Gypsy Moths.

Something more needs to be done. If Aerial spraying is off the table because now we have lost that short window of time to do so, and it would put other caterpillars and butterflies at risk, that is because there was NOT enough information shared or action taken from the beginning.

My hope moving forward is that this matter gets the attention it deserves, at VERY least we need more information on what to do and how to deal with this issue from this point on, effectively and efficiently.

Thank you all for your support and I hope that the pending outcome is something that our parks, forests and everyone benefits from. The petition will remain until something more is done.

This petition will remain for now, until something is done.