Lowell Township to seek millage for spongy moth control

By Jayson Bussa

Contributing Writer

Lowell Charter Township officials are asking voters to consider a new millage proposal aimed at combating a destructive and invasive pest in the spongy moth.

At its regular meeting on June 16, the township board unanimously approved a resolution to place the millage on the ballot for a special November election. The proposal would fund efforts to monitor, suppress and control spongy moth infestations, which have been affecting the township and surrounding tree-dense areas.

Formerly known as the gypsy moth, the spongy moth is particularly harmful to oak and other hardwood trees. The moths lay egg masses from which larvae hatch and feed on tree leaves. While many trees can survive an infestation, repeated defoliation can ultimately lead to tree death.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the current statewide outbreak began in 2019 and peaked in 2021. The numbers show that the infestation is declining. In 2022, the DNR mapped out 386,000 acres of defoliation, which dropped to 156,000 in 2023. Still, it remains a concern in areas like Lowell Township, where some property owners have seen their wooded areas devastated by the pest.

To address the issue, the township is proposing a millage of 0.5 mills for a three-year period, covering tax years 2025 through 2027. If approved by voters in the special election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the millage would raise an estimated $184,268 in its first year.

The township used general fund dollars for a pesticide application in April, but future treatments depend on millage funding.

While aerial pesticide applications are one strategy, natural resource experts emphasize that residents also play a crucial role in controlling the pest. Property owners are encouraged to watch for, and remove, the moths’ tan, fuzzy egg masses. Some residents also use burlap tree bands to trap and kill larvae.

More information on spongy moth control and other invasive species is available at www.michigan.gov/invasives.

More discussion over AG tourism and event venues

Lowell Township Planning Commission Chairman, David Simmonds, returned to the lectern at last week’s township board meeting to continue discussions about agricultural tourism and event venues.

“(Instead of) building ordinances, and then bringing them to the township board and say, ‘Here it is’ with the possibility, you might say, ‘Gee, we really didn’t want to do that’ … I want to get your input before we start spending the township’s money if we have to,” said Simmonds, who appeared for the same purpose last month.

Simmonds asked the board for direction on four areas: ag tourism, bed and breakfasts, event venues, and wedding barns.

Agricultural tourism, which includes activities like petting zoos, crop mazes and foot trails, is already allowed in the township’s AG-1 zones, through special land-use permits. Board members expressed satisfaction with the current regulations.

A large portion of the discussion focused on bed and breakfasts, which are not currently permitted in the township. Simmonds noted that under Michigan’s Right to Farm Act, active farms may have the right to operate such accommodations. The township could choose to regulate these operations through the special land-use process. Simmonds was asked to gather more information on the issue.

Event venues, which include banquet halls, are currently allowed only in commercial zones, and board members indicated they want to keep it that way.

Wedding barns, which are also not permitted in the township, were the final topic of discussion. The board expressed no interest in allowing them, citing similar available options in nearby Bowne Township, Vergennes Township, and the City of Lowell.

POW/MIA Recognition Day set

The Lowell Township Board has once again passed a resolution to designate Prisoner of War–Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day, continuing a tradition observed in previous years. This year’s observance will take place on Sept. 19.

The day honors military personnel who were taken as prisoners of war or remain unaccounted for. According to the resolution, approximately 1,700 American service members and civilians are still missing.

“We urge all of our citizens to take note of this important issue and remember those servicemen and civilians, who were prisoners of war and those still missing, and to commemorate the day with appropriate activities,” the township’s resolution stated.