GYPSY MOTH RISK
ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR
2016
Data collected during the 2016 risk assessment surveys indicate
that gypsy moth populations within Shaler Township are on the
rise. The average age mass density for the entire managed area of
Shaler Township has increased from undetectable levels in 2016,
to an average of 12 egg masses per acre (EMA) that will hatch in
the spring of 2017.
Gypsy moth infestations were detected at survey plots
located in and around the Township parks. Defoliation and or
nuisance associated with dense numbers of caterpillars and their
excrement may be observed in and around survey plots located
at Kiwanis Park and Ellen Hughes Park in the absence of effective
biological controls. The release of gypsy moth specific fungus,
Entomophaga Maimaiga is recommended in the spring of 2017
to reduce the potential defoliation, tree mortality, and nuisance
associated with caterpillars and their excrement. Gypsy moth
infestations have increased to outbreak levels in many parts of
Pennsylvania in the last three years.
haler
TO WNS HI P OF S HA LE R NE WS
Shaler EMS
Shaler EMS Invest in Life Saving Equipment
Shaler EMS recently purchased a new Physio Control LifePak
15 heart monitor. Heart monitors are devices that enable a
paramedic to analyze a patient’s heart and see how it is working.
It is also capable of administering a life saving jolt of electricity to
restart a heart that has stopped beating. It replaces our LifePak 12
which we purchased in 1998 and is in the process of being phased
out by the manufacturer. This will make finding parts and service
more difficult. Also, the LifePak 15 has improved capabilities
such as the ability to detect the amount of carbon monoxide in
a person’s blood. This is crucial for patients exposed to a carbon
monoxide leak or suffering from smoke inhalation. The total cost
for upgrading this device is $35,000.
Shaler EMS was able to make this investment in life saving
technology because of a volunteer ambulance grant through
the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and because of the
generous donations from Shaler residents.
WINTER CYCLING BY C.J.
ENGEL
Winter is coming and many people may put their bike away.
However, biking through the winter can be enjoyable. Here are
some tips:
FOR YOUR BIKE:
• Your bike will get blasted with water and grime. Lubricate
and clean it often. Consider a “beater” bike for winter riding.
• Install fenders to deflect the above.
• Ride wider tires with bigger treads.
• Use lights to see and be seen in low light.
FOR YOU:
• Layer up. Start with a wool or synthetic base. End with a
bright weatherproof shell. Add extra protection for your face,
hands, and feet. Your core will warm up as you ride.
• Scan ahead for ice and hazards. Be careful around turns
or changes in road surfaces like manhole covers and rail
crossings which can be extra slippery. Take it slow. Dismount
when in doubt.
• Account for a longer stopping distance due to conditions.
As someone who has commuted through Pittsburgh’s winters,
some of these tips were learned the hard way. However, in my
experience riding through the winter is worth it, as it gets you
outside and passes the season faster. For more tips, contact CJ
Engel (cjengel1@yahoo.com).
To learn more about efforts to improve walking and biking in
Shaler, visit www.facebook.com/WalkBikeShaler
GLENSHAW PUBLIC LIBRARY
Have You Seen Us Lately?
Newly remodeled meeting / event area
www.glenshawpubliclibrary.org
40 Shaler