Clinton Township Newsletter

2 2 m a y 2 0 2 3 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M a M e S S a G e a B o u T T h e D a n G e r S o f l a n T e r n f l Y T a P e f r o M T h e r a P T o r T r u S T The Raptor Trust (TRT) is continuing to sound the alarm: the number of birds in 2022 that were tragically caught in glue tape traps set out for Spotted Lanternflies (and taken care of by TRT) skyrocketed to 93. Many people are trying to help remove invasive Lanternflies from our environment and are instructed (sometimes by their local governments) to wrap sticky tape traps around trees on their property. However, sticky tape is inhumane and does not discriminate. It catches wildlife like snakes, mice and other rodents, and birds, subjecting all to die of heat, dehydration or predation. TRT saw birds that had broken their own bones attempting to free themselves from the glue traps. The birds lucky enough to make it to them undergo extreme stress and have to wait in captivity while their feathers grow in, rather than live healthy, wild lives as they should. While the Spotted Lanternfly is of great concern in our area, the unintended consequences of this method of remediation far outweigh its effectiveness, and in some cases the bycatch victims are the very creatures that might prey upon the Lanternflies in the first place. A wildlife-safe alternative is a "circle trap," being used very effectively in Pennsylvania. If you must use the sticky tape traps (though TRT advises alternative methods), you can make them somewhat safer for birds and small mammals by wrapping a cover of small mesh wire over the tape at least an inch away from the tape. The wire mesh needs to be small enough to keep birds out, but big enough to allow Lanternflies in. Half inch "hardware cloth" is a good option. To find out more, go to: https://extension.psu.edu/ how-to-build-a-new-style. PLEASE encourage your neighbors to use eco-friendly methods to eliminate lantern flies. If you find a bird stuck to fly tape, do not attempt to remove it yourself, as it can cause further damage. The best thing to do is place paper towels around the remainder of the glue to prevent more feathers from getting stuck, place the bird in a box, and bring it to TRT or a local rehabber. TRT uses veterinary-grade adhesive remover and is trained to remove these traps with as little damage as possible. The Raptor Trust, located at 1390 White Bridge Road in Millington, New Jersey, is home to approximately fifty resident disabled birds housed in large outdoor aviaries that can be viewed by walking along the trails. TRT is a result of one man's long-time interest in nature and, particularly, birds of prey. Len Soucy first became interested in hawks after a visit to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1964. From that time on he had a passionate concern for the well-being of raptors. TRT is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for free, self-guided tours of the aviary trail. The Raptor Trust is dedicated to the fulfillment of three primary missions: • To provide free care and assistance to injured, sick, or orphaned wild birds. • To educate people about wild birds, especially birds of prey. • To provide a humane example for others. Find out more at: www.TheRaptorTrust.org. To schedule a program, please email: education@theraptortrust.org. J o i n S B e S a n D B e i M P r e S S e D – W i T h Y o u r S e l f ! Do you know that many of the South Branch Emergency Services EMTs and Rescue Associates who provide emergency medical care, transport, and land and water rescue in Clinton Township and across northern Hunterdon County are highly trained and dedicated volunteers? We rely on our volunteers to serve this community, and we need more of them. We need YOU! Experience is not required – if you've got the heart, we'll show you the way! Many join SBES with no prior medical or first response experience. We provide our members with free, state-of-the-art training at our own facility, preparing them to help their neighbors in emergencies and even save lives. So what are you waiting for? Join us! You'll learn new skills, forge new friendships, and become part of a great team. Be impressed by what YOU can do! To learn more or sign up, go to: www.SBES365.org.

• Cover