Hastings County is considering its next steps in combating gypsy moths.
The County is considering whether to support a request from the Municipality of Centre Hastings that is urging the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to help combat the spread of the moths.
In a resolution passed by the Municipality earlier this month, they urged the Ministry to conduct a massive surveillance program this fall. They hope that such surveillance will uncover hot spots and show how dense the moth population is in Central Ontario. After this happens, they want the Ministry to conduct a coordinated approach with municipalities to curb their spread in 2022.
Hastings County staff have indicated that gypsy moth infestations greatly impact the region, and are happening on both public and private lands. They also say that a patchwork approach, with individual municipalities taking their own approach, will not help curb the infections.
The motion is currently in front of a committee and will go to County Council for a final vote later this month if approved.