DNR EXPERTS WARN OF A BAD SPONGY MOTH SUMMER PEST OUTBREAK MAY BE WORST IN MORE THAN A DECADE

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns the public that the next two months could bring the worst spongy moth caterpillar outbreak in more than a decade.

Invasive spongy moth caterpillars, formerly known as gypsy moth, strip trees of their leaves, potentially killing high-value trees. They prefer to feed on oak, birch, crabapple, aspen and willow leaves but will also feed on many other tree and shrub species.

Southern Wisconsin and parts of the north are already in a high-population outbreak that is predicted to continue and spread.

“Populations have remained high due to a low incidence of caterpillar-killing diseases last summer,” said Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist in Oshkosh. “In addition, weather conditions are favorable for the caterpillars and unfavorable for Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungus that kills spongy moth caterpillars.”

Property owners are encouraged to examine their trees and take action. Specifically:

  • Visit the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Information Portal for information about managing spongy moth. Management options for the caterpillars include using burlap collection bands, physically destroying caterpillars and applying insecticide to protect trees and reduce nuisance caterpillar numbers.
  • Learn how to use burlap collection bands. These are a non-pesticide option to help reduce populations when checked daily while large caterpillars are present.
  • Insecticide treatments can be a suitable option for high-value host trees but are usually not practical for woodlots. Insecticide treatments are most effective when the caterpillars are small.
  • Water yard trees weekly during dry periods to help reduce tree stress and aid a tree’s recovery from heavy leaf loss by the caterpillars.
  • Wait to cut down any trees that have lost their leaves. Healthy hardwood trees usually produce a new set of leaves a few weeks later.
  • Forest management may need to be postponed in forest stands with expansive leaf loss. Trees will be stressed from heavy leaf loss and often unable to handle the additional stress from forest thinning.

Those who find spongy moth caterpillars should avoid touching them as the hairs often cause a skin rash, welt or other irritation. Rubbing alcohol can help to remove the hairs and chemical irritants from skin that is exposed to the hairs.

Plan for insecticide treatments ahead of time to help secure an applicator and avoid a last-minute rush when pesticide application businesses may already be very busy. Resources for finding a qualified pesticide applicator include the Wisconsin Arborist AssociationInternational Society of Arboriculture and a local phone book.

Stressed trees are already at an elevated risk of dying and will often die if they lose a lot of leaves in 2023. Low-vigor oak trees are likely to be infested by the native beetle, twolined chestnut borer, contributing to tree decline and death. Consult an arborist or forester for additional management recommendations.

Spongy moth populations may have a temporary, large increase in an area about every 10 years. Many areas currently experiencing a second or third year of the spongy moth outbreak will likely see a population decline or collapse due to diseases or starvation. Predicting where and when the decline will happen is difficult, and heavy leaf loss often occurs before the caterpillar population collapses.

NEW ELECTION EQUIPMENT IN BARTON

Voters in the Town of Barton will see new election equipment at the polls in 2023 with the recent purchase of Badger Books.
Overview: In 2017, Wisconsin Elections Commission developed an electronic poll book application for use in Wisconsin elections. The Badger Book is the only electronic poll book authorized for use in Wisconsin and is the only e-poll book application with direct WisVote integration. Badger Books do not use an internet connection.
The Badger Book is used to check in voters, process Election Day Registrations (EDRs), and record absentee participation. In short, Badger Books perform the functions currently processed on paper poll book. After Election Day, a data file generated from the Badger Book is used to upload election participation and Election Day Registration information into WisVote.
 
Some benefits of Badger Books that will impact Voters include:
  • No need for separate lines as all devices are identical
  • Signing of electronic poll book is quick and easy
  • Efficient voter registration process (no paper form to complete)

Road Tour

The Town Board will be meeting for the specific purpose of a road tour to inspect town roads on 4/16/22 at 8:00 a.m.

Agenda located under meetings and minutes.

NOTICE OF NONCANDIDACY

Incumbent Supervisor, Jerry Meulemans, has given Notification of Noncandidacy and will not be a candidate for the office of Supervisor at the next election of April 5, 2022.

If you are interested in running for the office of Supervisor for the Barton Town Board. Papers must be filed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

TOWN BRUSH CHIPPING

This service runs from May through October 13 in 2021 and is available to residential propertes only.  You MUST CALL DON MAURER 262-338-8253 to have your brush chipped.

Pile branches with the cut ends all laying the same way and spread out enough so as not to create a tangle of brushes. The cut ends need to face the road and be approximately 2 ft from edge of pavement. The pile cannont exceed 3 ft in height. Please leave 2 ft between piles. The thickest part of the branch cannot be more than 4 inches in diameter. Please trim forks on heavy branches. 

If these rules are not followed, brush will not be removed and property owner will be resposible for removal. If you would like to keep chips, please inform th men doing the chipping. If you would like chips, please call Don Maurer.

Please do not abuse chipping service.  This is not meant as a way to clear heavy brush-filled areas and woods or as clean-up from professional tree service cutting your trees. 

SNOW REMOVAL AND CARS IN RIGHT OF WAY

Any vehicle parked, stopped or standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of this article is declared to be a hazard to traffic and public safety. Such vehicle shall be removed by the operator in charge to a position where parking is permitted or to a private or public parking or storage premises or property. Any officer, after issuing a citation for either illegal parking, stopping or standing of any unattended vehicle in violation of this article, is authorized to remove such vehicle to a position where parking is permitted or to cause the towing of such vehicle. In addition to other penalties provided by this article, the owner or operator of a vehicle so removed shall pay the reasonable costs of removing, towing and storage. If the vehicle is moved or towed by a private motor carrier, the motor vehicle tower is entitled to recover the actual charges regularly paid for such service. If the vehicle is stored in a public storage garage or rental facility, customary charges for such storage shall be paid. Upon payment, a receipt shall be issued to the owner of the vehicle for the towing or storage charges.

BRUSH REMOVAL AND CHIPPING

Available for the 2020 year May Through October 14 for residential properties only. YOU MUST CALL DON MAURER TO HAVE YOUR BRUSH CHIPPED (262-338-8253). Branches should be piled with the cut ends all laying the same way and spread out enough so as not to create a tangle of branches. The cut ends need to face the road and be approximately 2 ft from edge of pavement and the pile cannot exceed 3 ft in height. Please leave at least 2 ft between the piles. The thickest part of the brance cannot be more than 4 in. in diameter. Please trim any forks on heavy branches so as not to jam the chipper. If these rules are not followed, brush will not be removed and property owner will be responsible for removal. If you would like to keep the chips, please inform the men doing the chipping. Otherwise they are taken to the Transfer Station and are available to anyone. If anyone would like chips, call Don for availability. PLEASE DO NOT ABUSE THE CHIPPING SERVICE- THIS IS NOT MEANT AS A WAY TO CLEAR HEAVY BRUSH-FILLED AREAS AND WOODS.