County executive’s letter requests plan to manage local, statewide spotted lanternfly population

CARMEL, NY – County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that he sent a letter on August 27 to state Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball requesting that the department immediately release to his office detailed answers related to the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive species which first arrived in New York State in 2020.

Byrne described the ostensible increase in the local SLF population as “alarming” and called on the Ag Department to articulate a plan to curb their numbers. The spotted lanternfly has been known to feed on the invasive tree of heaven plant as well as local grapevines, which the insect can destroy by causing fungal diseases through its waste deposits, known as honeydew.

The department held a media availability on the SLF in August, prompting in part the county executive’s following questions to Commissioner Ball:

• What is the estimated SLF population size in Putnam County? How does this population size compare to neighboring counties in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley?
• Has population size fluctuated or steadily increased since the species was first reported in Putnam County?
• What enhanced mitigation steps is Agriculture and Markets prepared to take apart from education and awareness?
• Is biocontrol – that is, the introduction of a predator species known to feed on SLFs – an option being considered at this time? How would this particular method be funded?
• With SLF egg-laying season approaching, what additional steps can Agriculture and Markets take to reduce egg masses in Putnam County forestlands, particularly the hardwood-dense sections of the Great Swamp in Patterson?

“Spotted lanternflies can currently be found in 29 counties of New York State, with no sign of their spread slowing in the short and medium terms. Clearly, mitigation efforts have stalled or failed,” the Byrne’s letter stated. “I appreciate your department’s efforts related to this issue and I look forward to working with you in order to maintain a balanced and vibrant local ecosystem.”