To the editor:
As one who resides surrounded by the Great Marsh and next to thousands of acres of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, I would like to comment on the draft mosquito control policy.
I am absolutely in favor of discontinuing the practice of spraying larvicide on the marshes, for all of the reasons suggested in the draft.
My understanding is that the products used are not specific for mosquitoes, but kill larvae of beneficial insects and butterflies, and that are important as food for fish and marsh birds. It breaks my heart to watch the marsh become immediately depleted of tree swallows following treatment, as they then must forage elsewhere to prepare for their fall migration.
Also, my property is in a pine/oak habitat which supports many breeding birds, and when the helicopters come through spraying the larvicide, I am convinced that many of the woodland larvae are killed as well, depleting the food source for the passerine nestlings.
I am also concerned that the private company that does the spraying also does the testing for the presence of mosquito larvae - that arrangement certainly sets up the possibility for unnecessary treatment.
I believe that the health of the marsh and encompassed ecosystems is much more important than the very slight risk to humans, and that people who choose to live near or visit a wetlands area should accept the individual responsibility of protecting themselves on a personal basis (clothing, repellent, time of day, etc.).
I am extremely hopeful that this draft will become policy, and serve to prohibit spraying of this marsh and all NWR areas, for the benefit of wildlife and ecosystems, which ultimately benefits all life on the planet.
LYNETTE LEKA
Newbury
As one who resides surrounded by the Great Marsh and next to thousands of acres of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, I would like to comment on the draft mosquito control policy.
I am absolutely in favor of discontinuing the practice of spraying larvicide on the marshes, for all of the reasons suggested in the draft.
My understanding is that the products used are not specific for mosquitoes, but kill larvae of beneficial insects and butterflies, and that are important as food for fish and marsh birds. It breaks my heart to watch the marsh become immediately depleted of tree swallows following treatment, as they then must forage elsewhere to prepare for their fall migration.
Also, my property is in a pine/oak habitat which supports many breeding birds, and when the helicopters come through spraying the larvicide, I am convinced that many of the woodland larvae are killed as well, depleting the food source for the passerine nestlings.
I am also concerned that the private company that does the spraying also does the testing for the presence of mosquito larvae - that arrangement certainly sets up the possibility for unnecessary treatment.
I believe that the health of the marsh and encompassed ecosystems is much more important than the very slight risk to humans, and that people who choose to live near or visit a wetlands area should accept the individual responsibility of protecting themselves on a personal basis (clothing, repellent, time of day, etc.).
I am extremely hopeful that this draft will become policy, and serve to prohibit spraying of this marsh and all NWR areas, for the benefit of wildlife and ecosystems, which ultimately benefits all life on the planet.
LYNETTE LEKA
Newbury
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