NEW JERSEY MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION, INC. NEWSLETTER

VOL. XVII NUMBER 2 November, 2005

2005 Season Wrap-Up

The unusually dry summer of 2005 and generally inhospitable temperatures kept mosquito populations under control for most of the season for most counties. Most responding counties report decreased population levels and service requests.

• Hudson County: 5514 mosquitoes were trapped via gravid traps for WNV testing and 5379 mosquitoes were collected with NJ light traps and EVS traps for population surveillance. The overall population level was slightly below average for the season. Precipitation was generally below average and summer temperatures were above average. In May, 4 Inspectors and 1 Field Operations Supervisor were added to the program.
• Middlesex County: 19,789 mosquitoes were collected from 21 light traps. Culex species and Aedes species proved to be the dominant mosquitoes in a year with overall population levels that were below average. Rainfall was generally below average and temperatures were above normal. The Middlesex County WNV surveillance program was improved with better trapping locations and by implementing procedures to better maintain the cold chain. Analysis of the aerial application program was initiated, including a review of population thresholds for application. The commission plans to hire an entomologist and 2-3 Inspectors for the 2006 season.
• Ocean County: 101,683 mosquitoes were trapped using NJ light traps this year. This number is down 15% from last year, but the Culex salinarius population showed an increase of 165% from 2004. Precipitation was below average, which negated most fresh-floodwater problems. The salt marsh remained flooded for significant periods of time. This may explain the explosion of Cx. salinarius. The acquisition of a new rotary ditcher brings the fleet to 5 ditchers working on the salt marshes. Aerial larviciding program was converted from granular application to liquid. Bti was the original product tested.
• Essex County: Light trap collections were below normal, but more than 4000 mosquitoes, in 208 pools, were submitted for WNV testing which resulted in 15 positive pools. A spike in the Ochlerotatus sticticus population in the spring resulted from April floods, but all species remained below normal for the rest of the year. Drought conditions were present until October brought 15 inches of rain. An outside contractor is being used to conduct water management projects in the Passaic River flood plain. The county purchased a Case 135S excavator, Takeuchi 53R compact excavator and two cougar ULV machines. A wetland specialist and ID specialist have been hired, and Larry Ferchak is on leave from his title of Superintendent to assume the title of Director of Mosquito Control.
• Morris County: 26,802 mosquitoes were collected from 21 light traps from June to September. Despite overall populations being well below normal, June saw a large spike due to one trap collecting more than 12,000 mosquitoes in a couple of weeks. The mosquito season has been a hot and dry one, just like the rest of the state. Morris County has successfully completed a pond restoration project in Morris Plains and has started work on drainage restoration in the Passaic River floodplain in Long Hill Township. The county has purchased a Norris low ground pressure excavator and three new trucks, this year. Kris McMorland joined Morris as Assistant Superintendent and three laborers were hired. One employee was promoted to Inspector Trainee. The addition of a biologist is planned for 2006 and building rehab plans should result in construction in the coming year.
• Monmouth County: 11,751 mosquitoes were collected from light traps this year. This very low population level was the result of generally inhospitable conditions for the entire season. This small population caused the Commission to experience one of the least active years in areas of larviciding and service requests. 492 pools of mosquitoes were trapped for vector surveillance. 10 pools were WNV positive and 5 EEE positive. These results came from the NJDHSS Taqman system. Monmouth County found no positive pools with their RAMP test. All WNV positive pools were of the Culex genus and the EEE pools were Culiseta melanura. MCMEC continues to maintain and monitor two sentinel chicken flocks, these flocks did not return any WNV positive results. The WAG GPS system was installed on their helicopter to record and map aerial application data on the Arc View GIS. MCMEC is now testing ticks for Monmouth County residents. Eight ticks have been tested and one tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Bergen County: 2039 mosquitoes were collected from NJ light traps and 9947 mosquitoes were caught using gravid and EVS traps for vector surveillance. These numbers are significantly lower than the normal levels and are indicative of the drought trend the state experienced this season.
• Warren County: Rainfall totals for the season were 70% below the ten year average in Warren County. This lack of moisture and hot temperatures combined to result in the same reduced populations as the rest of the state saw this year. Light trap collections showed a prevalence of Aedes vexans, where CDC traps showed Oc. trivitattus as the most numerous mosquito, Warren ctd but neither reflected the relatively high numbers of Ae. cinereus, Oc. triseriatus and Psorophora ferox that were detected during landing counts. Warren County trapped 9748 mosquitoes for WNV surveillance in 2005; this is an increase from 2004. 1896 of these mosquitoes were tested with the RAMP system. Two WNV positive pools were detected by the PHEL, with zero positives from the RAMP. Major hand cleaning projects were completed by staff members, along with a permitted ditch maintenance project and fallen trees and blockages being removed from two streams. The WCMC was involved in collecting tires for a county wide tire recycling program.
• Cumberland County: 45,449 mosquitoes were collected from Cumberland’s 12 light traps. These numbers are down due to “one of the hottest and driest” summers on record. Cumberland County only conducted 5 aerial larvicides on the salt hay farms and salt marsh due to a lack of tidal inundation and little rain fall. A normal year would involve at least 10 applications. There are several water management projects planned to begin soon. CCMC added a new inspector and one new truck for 2005.
• Camden County: 19,746 mosquitoes were collected from the light traps this year. Luckily, this number is a reduction in normal population levels due to the extremely dry summer. 2005 was a challenging year because of the retirement of Superintendent Howard Emerson and several other members of the commission. The lack of personnel caused a revision of their route card system and the prioritization of regular sites. Infrequent activity equals infrequent inspection. St. albopicta remains the cause of most complaints in urban and suburban areas, resulting in a yard cleanup strategy in those areas following rain events. Three aerial larvicides occurred and 19 ULV applications were made in areas of high complaint numbers and historically high EEE and WNV prevalence. Three WNV positive mosquito pools were collected. A new ULV machine is in the plans for 2006.
• Atlantic County: 73,238 mosquitoes were collected from 21 NJ light traps 25,725 of these mosquitoes came from one trap in the Northeast corner of the county. 9143 mosquitoes were trapped for the WNV surveillance effort. 1005 of these mosquitoes were tested using the RAMP system, with zero positive pools. 260 pools were formed from the remaining mosquitoes and submitted to PHEL and returned 13 WNV positive pools. One senior inspector was promoted to equipment operator and a heavy equipment operator/mechanic was hired. One truck was purchased, along with a Kobelco amphibious rotary ditcher. Current projects include refurbishing the John Deere amphibious rotary ditcher, continuing OMWM operations on the E. B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and a small water management project utilizing the SMC low ground pressure excavator.
• Hunterdon County: 92,000 mosquitoes trapped this year. Most species were below average for the year, except for Ps. columbiae at mid-summer. The severe flooding in the early spring did not affect mosquito populations and the dry summer helped keep populations relatively low. Four pools of Culex mosquitoes were found to be WNV positive. Evaluation of the RAMP system is complete and plans are to include it in routine vector surveillance. A new Curtis DynaJet ULV sprayer has performed well in its first season.
• Cape May County: 120,000 mosquitoes were trapped from 38 light traps this year. High population levels of Coquilletidia perturbans, Cx. salinarius, Ae. vexans and Oc. sollicitans were present into early July. Populations dropped and stayed low for the rest of the season, except for an unexpected emergence of Cq. perturbans in August. The BSL-3 lab is in full operation this year. Testing of sentinel mosquitoes resulted in 4 chickens showing antibodies to WNV and 8 to EEE. The two EEE positive Culiseta melanura pools came from one of five resting box sites in the county. There were only two WNV positive mosquito pools, despite submitting 500 pools; one came from a resting box collection and the other came from a gravid trap. The rotary ditcher is finally digging again and has worked at OMWM steadily all summer. The helicopter crew was busy this season, completing both larvicide and adulticide missions. All of this was accomplished despite the abolishment of the Cape May County Mosquito Control Commission and formation of the Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control.
• Passaic County: 8125 mosquitoes were collected from all gravid, light and EVS traps. This is an increase over 2004. It is believed that an increased trapping effort is responsible for the increase, due to lower mosquitoes per trap night numbers. Except for an April flood in Wayne and October’s rain, the season was very dry for PCMC. Passaic surveyed by helicopter and is pursuing aerial larviciding for 2006. An ATV was use for both surveillance and applications began this year. GIS mapping of traps, fish stocking locations and apiaries were initiated. New equipment includes 6 drills, for tire puncturing, and 4 rearing chambers. An ATV trailer and 2microscopes are being acquired. Three laborers were added to the roster this year.
• Salem County: 71,650 mosquitoes were collected from light traps this year. 1013 mosquitoes were collected and submitted for WNV testing this year. The overall mosquito population is down, but Cq. perturbans, St. albopicta, and Ur. sapphirina populations rose. Precipitation was down and temperatures were up for this season. There are several ongoing projects under either GP1 or GP15 permits. Six new light traps and a Curtis Dynafog Typhoon1 were purchased this year. A heavy equipment operator was added to the roster.

Doug Abdill, Atlantic County

NJMCA Committee Assignments 2005-2006

Annual Meeting

• Convention Arrangements: Bill Reinert (Chair), M. Banks, A. Farajollahi, V. Thompson, D. Brown, S. Crans, J. Nunemaker, S. Healy, H. Lomberk, L. Reed.
• Program: Sean Healy (Chair), B. Kent, W. Crans, P. Pluchino, M. Slaff, H. Sawoski, A. Farajollahi.
• Projection Lisa Reed (Chair) D. Sun, J. White, K. Bartlett, S. Haung, M. Vlazny
• Commercial Exhibits: Ary Farajollahi (Chair), E. Rock, B. Kent, J. Phelps, T. Manzke, B. Zawicki.
• Photo Salon: Tadhgh Rainey (Chair), D. Abdill, T. Duckworth, K. Fogg, S. May, G. Willis.
• Registration: Mary Banks (Chair), P. Conover, C. Frame, F. Ayers.
• Awards/Resolutions: Carolyn Vollero, (Chair), B. Reinert, P. Conover, B. Outlaw, C. O’Malley, T. Candeletti, R. Schmidt.

Other Committees

• Archives: John Kranz (Chair), P. McNulty,T. Verna, T. Rainey, D. Sutherland, S. May, A. Farajollahi.
• Auditing: Bill Zawicki (Chair), T. Candeletti, G. Levinson, H. Rupp, T. Sellers, V. Thompson.
• Editorial Board: Tadhgh Rainey (Chair), P. Bosak, M. Slaff, H. Rupp.
• Education: Teresa Duckworth (Chair), K. McMorland, M. Diem, H. Lomberk,
• J. O’Neill, Paul McCall. J. Phelps.
• Legislative: Claudia O’Malley (CoChair), T. Candeletti (CoChair), M. Chomsky, J. Hansen, K. Breen, J. Rigolizzo, V. Thompson.
• Membership: Jack Nunemaker (Chair), L. Reed (Secretary), M. Chomsky, B. Duryea (Newsletter), M. Banks (Registration), J. Kranz, S. Crans, S. Healy.
• Newsletter: Bob Duryea (Chair), A. Acquaviva, G. Donato, B. Kent, C. Mayer, T. Rainey, A. Farajollahi, S. Healy, M. Banks.
• PESP: Christine Musa (Chair), H. Emerson, W. Crans, B. Reinert, B. Zawicki, K. Bruder
• Professional Training: Heather Lomberk (Chair), B. Evans, S. Crans, T. Rainey, C. Terry, K. McMorland, D. Abdil.
• Public Relation: Marc Slaff (CoChair), Kris McMorland (CoChair), P. Bosak C. Frame, M. Romanowski, E. Williges, S. Healy, C. Vollero, C. Mayer.
• Research and Development: Glenn Levinson (Chair), D. Sutherland, L. Brattsten, B. Zawicki, D. Chort, M. Romanowski, P. Bosak, S. Crans, S. Csorgo, T. Acquaviva, L. Ferchak.
• Scholarship: Sean Healy (Chair), J. Hansen, D. Sutherland, L. Spiegel, J. Kuschke, W. Meridith, A. Getmann
• University Liaison: Bob Kent (Chair), W. Crans, M. Slaff, D. Sutherland, L. Spiegel, T. Rainey, A. Farajollahi, R. Puelle.
• By-Laws/501 C (3) Victoria Thompson (Chair) T. Rainey, T. Candeletti, C. Musa

Municipal Stormwater Management Plans

By Vicki Thompson, Monmouth County MEC and Teresa Duckworth, Warren County MEC

In February, 2004, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) adopted two sets of rules regarding stormwater.  First, the NJPDES stormwater permitting rules (NJAC 7:14A-24 and 25) set up a general permit system that requires municipalities to develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to improve stormwater quality and reduce stormwater quantity.  To be in compliance with its general permit, a municipality must complete certain activities within specified timelines.  One of these requirements is to adopt a municipal stormwater management plan and implementing ordinances in accordance with the new Stormwater Management rules (NJAC 7:8).  The permit requires the municipal stormwater management plan to be adopted by spring 2005 and the ordinances to be adopted by spring 2006. 

The new Stormwater Management rules set stricter stormwater management standards for major development and sets forth the framework for municipal and regional stormwater management plans and ordinances that implement the standards on a local level.  Through this planning process, the municipality is supposed to address stormwater issues like flooding, inadequate infrastructure, water quality impairments caused by existing and new development. 

Through these rules, many of us were hopeful that issues that relate to mosquito control like lack of stormwater infrastructure maintenance, poor design and construction, chronic flooding and stream siltation would start to be addressed.  Here’s what we’ve seen so far. 

The Monmouth County Experience

Under the Stormwater Management rules, a county review agency must approve the adopted plan and ordinance for consistency with the rules within 60 days of submission to the County.  In Monmouth County, the Board of Chosen Freeholders designated the Monmouth County Planning Board as the review agency.   Realizing that stormwater crosses many agency purviews, the Freeholders also authorized the Planning Board to establish a Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) that reviews the plans and ordinances and gives its recommendation to the Planning Board who formally approves, conditionally approves or denies the plan and ordinances.

The STAC is comprised of representatives of the following county agencies: Planning Board, Engineering, Mosquito Commission, Health Department, Freehold Soil Conservation District, Water Resources Association and Environmental Council.  The STAC also has a representative from the Shore Builder’s Association and has legal counsel provided by the Planning Board attorney.

Since the spring of 2004, the STAC has adopted submission and review procedures and has met on a monthly basis.  In November 2004, the STAC held a workshop for municipalities at which each agency spoke about what it would like to see in a plan.  The Mosquito Commission emphasized instituting a mechanism for monitoring and enforcing maintenance and discussed BMP selection and placement to minimize mosquito habitat.  A subset of the STAC, including the Mosquito Commission, have met with various consultants and municipal representatives to informally review plans before or after adoption.  To date, we reviewed 25 municipal plans with many consultants covering additional municipalities. 

For the most part, these plans have been a disappointment to all STAC members.  Perhaps because most of us have been immersed in some sort of watershed planning for years, we were surprised how little mention much less definitive information there was about local problems and conditions.  In many instances, it was obvious that the persons writing the plans did not communicate with environmental commissions, public works personnel or even municipal engineers.  Nor did the plans incorporate information from Master Plans, Natural Resource Inventories (NRIs), and other existing documents that already contained pertinent information.  

Part of the problem has been insufficient guidance from NJDEP both technical and procedurally.   Let’s just say NJDEP is now having workshops on Mitigation Plans a good six-months after the plans had to be adopted.   

NJDEP also provided a model plan and ordinance in the BMP manual.  Many consultants copied the models word for word inserting a few details for each municipality.  As we conduct our county review, we have realized we do not agree with the wording or definitions but how do we deny what has been provided by the NJDEP as the model?

On the positive side, these informal meetings have provided a good forum for exchange of information and dialogue between local and county agencies and will result in consistently better, if not great, stormwater management plans countywide.  The process has been a learning experience for all involved.   If nothing else, I have seen the light bulb go on with Planning Board members as they connect stormwater management with mosquitoes and public health.

We are now beginning to formally review plans and ordinances.  The race is on to review and approve 53 plans and ordinances by April, 2006.  With the 60-day clock lining up with Planning Board meetings, there will be times when the STAC has less than two weeks to review and comment.  Hopefully, the pre-submission meetings will have paid off in avoiding major deficiencies for at least half of the municipalities. 

The Warren County Experience

The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders established a committee of county agencies to review the Municipal Stormwater Management Plans.  The County Review Committee (CRC) as it is referred to in Warren is made up of representatives from the County Planning Department, Engineer’s Office, Mosquito Commission, Soil Conservation District and the Health Department.  A timeline and a Municipal Stormwater Management Plan - Warren County Review Checklist was sent to each municipality. 

The modified checklist was based on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency sample checklist.  Checklists were to be completed and returned with the Municipal Stormwater Management Plans (MSWMP). 

To date 11 municipalities (out of 22) submitted copies of their MSWMP.  Unfortunately, many members of the CRC did not feel it was the county’s responsibility to make further comment on the MSWMP as long as the municipality adhered to the model created by the NJ DEP.  If checklists were found to be complete an acceptance letter was sent to the municipality without further comment. 

As with Monmouth County’s experience, most consultants copied the NJ DEP models word for word and added very little municipal specific data to the plan.  Interestingly, one township hired a resident to write both the MSWMP and ordinance. Due to her involvement with the town, especially her role as secretary of the Environmental Commission, the resident took into account the township’s unique water resources and goals to protect them when writing the MSWMP. 

Advanced copies of the municipal stormwater control ordinances were requested by the CRC to avoid costly revisions after municipal approval.  To date 6 municipalities have responded.  The ordinances that the CRC has received so far appear to be copied from the NJ DEP samples, just as the MSWMP’s are.  One comment that I personally made was that a copy of the maintenance plan should be kept at the municipal building where the development or structural Best Management Practice (BMP) is located.  Government agencies could then easily refer to the plan and locate responsible parties without having to do intensive searches and coming up with nothing. 

It will be interesting to see how many municipalities follow the MSWMP and to see how the stormwater ordinances are enforced.  It will take time to see just how successful the Stormwater Management rules (NJAC 7:8) will be for municipalities across the state. If nothing else, allowing the Mosquito Commission to be represented on the CRC is a major step for our county.  It has been an excellent avenue to educate other county agencies about mosquito biology and the need for maintenance of BMP structures. 

NJMCA Inc. Annual Meeting to Return to the Boardwalk

Following several years of successful annual meetings at the Trump Marina in Atlantic City, our groups preferred time slot was no longer going to be available. The Convention Arrangements committee was directed to look into other properties in Atlantic City, with a strong emphasis from the membership to return to a boardwalk property. 

The committee made a recommendation to the executive committee to hold the 93^rd and 94^th (2006 and 2007) NJMCA, Inc. annual meetings at Resorts Atlantic City.  The executive committee approved the recommendation and the decision only awaits final approval by the NJMCA, Inc. Board of Trustees.

The New Jersey Mosquito Control Association, Inc. has met at Resorts in the past and met regularly at the Chalfonte Haddon Hall (prior to becoming Resorts International Hotel and Casino). A joint meeting of the AMCA/NJMCA was held here back in 1985.

The 2006 annual meeting is scheduled for March 14^th through the 17^th, 2006, with our annual “southern” pesticide training session taking place on Tuesday, March 14, 2006.

In the words of Resorts marketing department; “Resorts Atlantic City has been redefined as one of Atlantic City’s newest hot spots. With headline entertainment appearing in our Superstar Theater, expanded casino floor and new $125 million Rendezvous hotel tower, Resorts continues to create a buzz throughout the city.”

Hotel room rates in the Ocean Tower will be $90.00 + taxes and Tourism Promotion Fee.  The hotel has a nice indoor pool complimentary for all guests, and health club with a minimal daily use fee.  There are plenty of dining facilities with in the hotel, in several adjacent hotel/casino properties, and food available on the world famous boardwalk.

We are excited about meeting at Resorts once again, and the other annual meeting committees are hard at work putting together what promises to be one more “memorable” and educational NJMCA, Inc. annual meeting. Additional information hotel and meeting information will be sent out in the near future.    

Bill Reinert, Atlantic county

Awards Committee

Carolyn Vollero,  Awards / Resolutions Chairman NJMCA would like to remind you that the committee is accepting nominations for the Bunnie Hajek Award – The Achievement Award, and individuals to be listed on the Twenty- Five Year Service Role.  The committee is required to act on Nominations for these awards and recognition at least one month prior to the annual meeting so we ask that names of candidates and pertinent information be submitted to one of the comm. members by January 12^th, 2006 . 

The three categories of awards and recognition are:

• The Bunnie Hajek Award, this Association’s most prestigious Award, is presented to those efforts and contributions extend beyond that which is expected in the normal performance of their duties.
• The Achievement Award, recognizes those New Jersey mosquito control workers who have devoted at least 12 years to mosquito control and are about to retire.

• The Twenty- Five Year Service Roll is a service roll recognizing Individuals who have actively served in mosquito control efforts for 25 years or more, a portion of which has been in New Jersey.

 Any member of the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association may submit a nomination for the Bunnie Hajek Award.  Anyone aware of coworkers meeting the requirements for the Achievement Award or the Twenty-five Year Service Roll is encouraged to submit names for those awards.  Association membership is not required to receive any of these awards.

 Submit nominations to any awards committee member: Carolyn Vollero (Chair), Bill Reinert, Pat Conover, Rob Outlaw, Claudia O’Mally, Peter Pluchino, Tom Candeletti, or Rod Schmidt.

Also, members may submit information on any formal event of the year preceding the Annual meeting they wish to have memorialized at the annual meeting and recognized by the general membership in the form of a resolution to one of the awards / resolution Committee members.

Aaron Rappaport 

Aaron Rappaport, the longest serving Chairman in the history of the NJ State Mosquito Control Commission, died this past August.  The Essex County resident was 93.  Mr. Rappaport was Chairman of the Commission since 1976.  He was appointed to the State Commission after long volunteer career (of 19 years) as a commissioner on the Essex County Mosquito Extermination Commission where he served as President for two years.  He was also that Commission’s Treasurer for fourteen years and oversaw a budget of over $800,000 (a significant amount even in today’s economy!). 

Mr. Rappaport was President of the NJMCA and served on the audit and the executive committees.  Aaron was a recipient of the NJMCA “Association Award”, now referred to as the “Bunnie Hajek Award”.  He also received the Rutgers University, Cook College Award for Meritorious Service.   He also was awarded the “Jessie B. Leslie Award” from the Associated Executives of Mosquito Control Work in NJ.   

A veteran mosquito control proponent, Mr. Rappaport understood the importance of source reduction, biological control and larviciding in an effort to reduce the amount of adulticiding that has to be applied.  He sported the jibes and remarks from those who took our profession less seriously than we do and served as an ambassador to the media, the government and the public for over four decades.  A more dedicated public servant there will never be.

NJMCA Newsletter Special Highlight: Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control

The Bergen County Mosquito Extermination Commission (BCMEC) was established in 1914, and since its inception it has served the residents of Bergen County with the utmost professionalism and proficiency in the field of mosquito surveillance and control. The program, which ranks among the best in New Jersey, utilizes a well-rounded integrated pest management (IPM) approach for the suppression of vector and nuisance mosquitoes. The Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control (BCDMC) as it is known today emphasizes water management as a primary abatement strategy, and the staff has consequently accumulated a plethora of expertise in this technique. As a result, they are consulted by various other agencies at the local, state and regional level.  

The Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control has historically been among the most innovative and progressive control programs in New Jersey and has always been endowed with talented personnel. Jesse B. Leslie, for whom the Meritorious Service Award is named, started his career as a seasonal employee in Bergen County. He continued to work for the program for many years and after retirement served as a commissioner for many more years. The Associated Executives of Mosquito Control Work in New Jersey honor individuals from within and outside the professional ranks of the mosquito control community with an award named after Jesse B. Leslie. This award is highly regarded at both the state and national level.

Another well known product of Bergen County’s mosquito control program was Herman “Buddy” Ehrenberg. Buddy Ehrenberg became renowned for his work with Culex mosquitoes and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) surveillance. Not satisfied with current devices to collect these mosquitoes, he invented a device that became know as the Ehrenberg Pigeon Trap (Ehrenberg 1966). This trap incorporates unique modifications to previous traps, which markedly increase the ability to collect host seeking Culex mosquitoes. To this day, mosquito control programs throughout the world still use Ehrenberg’s model in their arbovirus surveillance programs.

The current Director of the BCDMC is Peter Pluchino, whose dedication, cleverness, passion, novel approaches, friendliness, and unselfishness are well known throughout the state. He has been with the county for over 30 years, and continues to serve his constituents to the best of his ability. With the help of his General Supervisor Salvino Grootenboer, Chief Inspector Peter Rendine, Supervisor of Garage Services James Bartlett, and additional experienced field staff, the county has been at the forefront of advanced IPM strategies for mosquito control.

It was Bergen County who stepped up to the plate in the summer of 1999 when West Nile virus (WNV) was detected for the first time in the New World in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area (Nasci et al. 2001). Since this was a newly introduced pathogen, and organized mosquito control was lacking in New York City, the BCDMC came to the aid of the city and surrounding areas by assisting in surveillance and control applications. Since the BCDMC had the expertise and capabilities, it even helped by sending personnel and truck mounted ULV sprayers into surrounding areas to combat and suppress potential disease carrying mosquitoes. There is no doubt that Mr. Pluchino and his devoted employees were instrumental in containing WNV and preventing a further outbreak. 

With the immense attention that WNV brought to the region, many agencies and organizations responded to the outbreak by sending reputable scientists to conduct a wide array of investigations. Among these groups were researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), the US Geological Survey (USGS) and Rutgers University. Mr. Pluchino and his staff, regardless of time or geopolitical constraints, gave logistic and technical support to these scientists. When the investigations were over, these groups left New Jersey with a tremendous respect for the Bergen County program. Chet Moore, who led the group of scientists from CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, was so pleased with the reception and support he received, still inquires as to the well-being of every individual from BCDMC that assisted him. He recently sent this letter stating:

“During the summer of 2000, several of us from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) conducted intensive studies of West Nile virus in northern New Jersey and southern New York. Were it not for the help of all of the university, health department and vector control people in the region, we could never have done the study. The local mosquito control programs and health departments placed and collected traps, showed us good collecting sites, and provided introductions to property owners. In New Jersey, we received incredible support from Peter Pluchino and the staff of the Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control. In addition to their routine duties-considerably increased by the West Nile activity in the area-they provided laboratory space, taxonomic and sorting support, office support, dry ice pickup, and much more. Their assistance was truly above and beyond the call. In the more than 30 years that I have worked with state and local health and vector control agencies, I have not encountered a more professional and dedicated agency than Bergen County Mosquito Control.”  

It truly is an honor to receive that kind of compliment from a well-respected scientist at one of our nation’s top health agencies. Our challenge as a mosquito control community will be to follow BCDMC’s example and leave the same exemplary impression they did the next time the United States government, the media, and public turned to us for support and comfort during trying times. For those of us who know Peter Pluchino personally, his sacrifices are nothing out of the ordinary. He is a man who routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty to make things easier and more enjoyable for others. His recent tenure as president of the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association (2004-2005) was a testament to this. Many of us still look to BCDMC for novel ideas on water management issues, equipment modifications and general surveillance/control methodologies. Mr. Pluchino is a clear example of how good people can make an operation succeed and thrive in the face of adversity.  We are proud to call him a colleague and a friend.

The following people endorse this Article:

• Scott C. Crans, Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education, President NJMCA.

• Ary Farajollahi, Mercer County Mosquito Control

• Tadhgh Rainey, Hunterdon County Mosquito and Vector Control.

• Robert Kent, Office of Mosquito Control Coordination (DEP) State Mosquito Control Commission.

• Wayne J. Crans, Rutgers University Professor Emeritus

• Claudia O’Malley, Office of Mosquito Control Coordination (DEP)

• Thomas Candeletti, Ocean County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• Douglas Guthrie, Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission, President-Associated Executives

• Marc Slaff, Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• Christine Musa, Warren County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• Dennis Mahoney, Salem County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• William Reinert, Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control.

• Dominic Chappine, Burlington County Mosquito Control.

• Caroline Vollero, Union County Division of Mosquito Control.

• Peter Bosak, Cape May County Division of Mosquito Control.

• Art Jamieson, Camden County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• Doug McCormick, Cumberland County Mosquito Control Division.

• Larry Ferchak, Essex County Mosquito Control.

• Eric Green, Passaic County Division of Mosquito Extermination.

• Paul McCall   Somerset County Mosquito Extermination.

• Glenn Levinson Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

• Wayne Wurtz, Gloucester County Division of Mosquito Control.

• Jeffrey Riker, Sussex County Mosquito Control

• Gary Cardini, Hudson County Mosquito Control.

• Jennifer Gruener, Rutgers University Department of Entomology

• Lisa M. Reed Rutgers University Department of Entomology, Secretary-NJMCA   

Ehernberg, H.A. 1966. Some comparisons of a pigeon-baited trap with a New Jersey light trap. Proc. N.J. Mosq. Exterm. Assoc. 53:175-172.

Nasci, R.S., D.J. White, H. Stirling, et al. West Nile virus isolates from mosquitoes in New York and New Jersey, 1999. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 7:626-630.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Since my last message the association has been quite busy.  It is that time of the year when we can all finally sit down and take a break from the ever extending field season to address more pressing and often more challenging administrative obligations. That “off season” we looked forward to has disappeared with the additional West Nile responsibilities.  For some this was our vacation time for others it just means it is now time to reinvest effort in NJMCA activities.

Committees have been meeting and attending to association affairs.  I want to thank all the committee chairs for updating both the Secretary and myself on your progress.  I have made some changes to the committee assignment list posted in the last newsletter which can be viewed on the NJMCA website listed on our Rutgers server http://www-rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/committe.htm . 

The executive committee met on 25 October and 11 November 2005 while the Board of Trustees met on 3 November and is scheduled to meet again 7 December 2005 to consider, modify if needed, and approve the 2006 association budget. 

I am pleased to announce that we will be returning our annual meetings to the board walk in Atlantic City this year.  Resorts international will be hosting the convention for at least the next two years barring any unforeseen events.  Look for an article in this newsletter for more information.

The association is in good shape financially which will allow us to address some very interesting new ideas.  Membership revenue has increased since my last note but more still needs to be done here. If you haven’t already done so, check in with our membership chair Jack Nunemaker at the Camden County Mosquito Extermination Commission (856.566.2945, skeeters@co.camden.nj.us) and sign up again if you find yourself in the arrears.  The association depends heavily upon the support our membership revenue generates. 

Those who may be finishing up work to report during our annual convention are kindly reminded to visit our NJMCA website http://www-rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/call.htm to fill out and submit a call for papers. Sean Healy of the Monmouth County MEC is again our program chair. Please feel free to reach out to Sean at shealy@co.monmouth.nj.us for further information regarding the program.

Our new NJAES Director, Robert Goodman, is meeting with members of the mosquito control community and formulating plans for our future based upon input received.  The work here is very important and I urge you all to make your thoughts known.  It is my belief that we should take an active role in our future.

Rutgers is in the process of transforming. To obtain resources we must rebuild our programs here at the university in a modern way that reflects the direction our administration is moving. Mosquito control in New Jersey has a long rich history with much of what we do requiring little immediate change. That said we must look to the future with an open mind to change for what lies ahead is uncertain. Here in New Jersey we have not invested heavily in mosquito control research for some time. The information that drives how we go about our daily business may need considerable updating to conform with today’s accepted practices. Our goal should be to take an active role in this change, stand by our methods that have stood the test of scientific scrutiny, re-evaluate those methods where information in sparse, aggressively seek out and support needed research in areas that warrant attention. Then mold the outcome of this work, whatever that may be, into our operations.  Mosquito control that is truly based upon science is easily said but hard to do.  This effort requires a steady investment of public funds over a long time period. The programs that have invested in their mosquito control operations are doing well, those that haven’t the will to invest and those whose programs have slipped are facing a difficult road ahead – the university is unfortunately among this later group in the area of mosquito control research. Recurring budget cuts, failing to replace key faculty, and reorganizations to address the eroding funding support have left us ailing. We have been riding on past investments for too long now, it is time to change. 

In an effort to improve the services offered here at the university I have traveled to other state association meetings, toured their mosquito control program facilities, and participated in their training events.  We should be proud of what we have in New Jersey, of this there is no doubt and I am honored to be representing our association. But be warned, I have seen a number of extremely efficient modern mosquito control operations that quite simply dwarf some of our own highly respected programs.  There is indeed much work to be done. We need only the will to rise to the challenge as we strive to shape our future. 

I wish you all the very best this holiday season and I look forward to working with you as our annual convention fast approaches.

Scott C. Crans

NJMCA Membership Application

Name:_______________________________________________________ Title: (Dr., Director, Commissioner)_________     

Work Address:________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ Work Phone: (_____)______________

Work E-Mail:__________________________________________________ Work Fax:(_____)________________

Home Address: ________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________ State:_____ Zip:_______ Home Phone:(_____)___________ 

Home EMail:__________________________________________________

Dues Payment for the Year 2006 Thirty ($30.00) per Member per Year

Total Number of Memberships                                     _______

@ $30.00 ea. - Total Amount of Invoice                        _______

Make Checks or Voucher Payable to: New Jersey Mosquito Control Association, Inc.

and send to:

New Jersey Mosquito Control Association, Inc.

c/o Camden County Mosquito Commission

2311 Egg Harbor Road

Lindenwold, NJ 08021