surprise blizzard on April 6, 1982 influenced pesky mosquitoes to emerge 

 prematurely. In June, abnormal amounts of cold and continuous precipitation 

 inundated many areas of the state. Of course, this event contributed to the 

 overall mosquito breeding situation, although not as severly as expected. 



REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAMS 



Once again, the State Reclamation Board sent questionnaires requesting 

 specific mosquito control information to communities not currently members 

 of a regional mosquito control project. The Board has attempted to accumulate 

 specific information pertaining to local mosquito control programs. This is 

 essential to safeguard against poor mosquito practices and to offer technical 

 assistance to ensure effective and environmentally acceptable mosquito control 

 programs. The response of the review and approval questionnaires of local 

 mosquito control programs has been limited. During the 1982 mosquito season 

 (latter part of fiscal year 1982) the Board received sixty-three (63) responses 

 from various municipalities. Fifty-two (52) reported that no plans were 

 anticipated for the ensuing mosquito year. Many municipalities cited the 

 elimination of funds (Proposition 2*5) and the prioritization of the gypsy moth 

 problems as the reason for no mosquito control. Twelve (12) local mosquito 

 control programs were approved and one (1) was disapproved by the Board. 



MOSQUITO CONTROL LEGISLATION 



During the fiscal year 1982 a number of municipalities bearing the 

 burdens of fiscal constraints opted to withdraw their financial support and 

 participation in two mosquito control projects. A new law (Chapter 119 of 

 the Acts of 1982) became effective authorizing municipalities of the Berkshire 

 County Mosquito Control Project to withdraw via Town or City Council majority 

 vote. As a result, nineteen municipalities voted to discontinue participation 

 in the program. Also, the Town of Acton voted out of the Central Massachusetts 

 Mosquito Control Project in order to undertake the tasks of mosquito control 

 through a local effort. Nonetheless, their mosquito control program was 

 reviewed and approved by the Board, Another law (Chapter 302 Acts of 1981) 

 became effective July 1, 1981, allowing municipalities within a regional 

 mosquito control project to raise additional funds above the state assessment 

 for purposes of mosquito control work. However, this shall be under the 

 supervision and control of the mosquito project of which the municipality is 

 a member. 



BITING FLY PROJECT 



This year the Biting Fly Specialist position mutually supported by the 

 State Reclamation Board and the University of Massachusetts has been terminated. 

 This action represents a serious setback relative to the many mosquito problems 

 that need attention in Massachusetts. 



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