Trustees report mosquito larvae hot spots in Accabonac Marsh; hand treatments planned, aerial spraying paused for nest checks

Trustees received a report on mosquito larvae findings in Accabonac Marsh during the June 22 meeting. Committee members said sampling found zeroes in some locations and higher counts in others, with a few hot spots showing counts described in the meeting as "up in the 40" range in a single dip sample.

Trustees said a vector-control technician visited to hand-treat identified hot spots. Helicopter or broad aerial spraying will not proceed until the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirms eagles are not nesting in a nearby osprey tower; trustees noted DEC guidance prompted the decision to avoid treating areas where eagles may be nesting.

Trustees also said interns from the Accabonac/Protection Committee and Natural Resources staff will assist with future walks and monitoring. A paddle-and-pickup community cleanup was announced for Accabonac Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Landing Lane.

Next steps: trustees plan additional monitoring on the next tidal/midseason walk; vector-control will hand treat hot spots identified by the trustees and Natural Resources until DEC provides further direction.