Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The Eastern Hemlock thrives in the ravines and steep slopes in the southern sections of Cayuga County. It is estimated that the Eastern Hemlock makes up ten percent of the tree coverage within the Owasco Lake Watershed. The invasive specie, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has been identified in Scipio and surrounding townships. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is best identified during the winter months when their white, woolly growth stands out on the Hemlock twig. The environmental concern is when the Hemlock stands die off their root structure will no longer hold the ravine slopes in place causing major erosion and sediment into Owasco Lake.

Recently, six members of the Owasco Watershed Lake Association completed training and are now, official Owasco Hemlock Hunters in the Cornell Hemlock Initiative. This winter they will be surveying the ravines in Scipio, and near Cascade to identify healthy stands of Hemlock and to document areas of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation. Property owners will be contacted for permission to survey and access the tree stands along the ravine sites identified.

Recycling IS NOT Free

Scipio residents are efficient recyclers. We have had the advantage of the Town offering recycling for many years. NYS law requires recycled materials are recycled instead of taken to landfills. Over time the cost of recycling has gone from almost nothing to $500/week for the Town. The reason for this huge increase is the decreasing cost of virgin plastic, loss of the international markets for recycled materials, an increased cost in processing recycled materials and a local/regional loss of commercial recyclers. While we are committed to continuing to provide this service to community members, we ask you to recycle thoughtfully in accordance within the guidelines of our contracted commercial recycler, Casella. In addition, buy recycled materials when you can and upcycle your products when you can. The Town appreciates your cooperation.