Stop The Proposed Fumigation By The DNR Of Kosciusko County

Thousands of Indiana residents (Including Kosciusko County/Warsaw/Winona Lake) and their property are being threatened to be sprayed with pesticides containing partly unknown chemicals.  These unknown inert chemical ingredients included in this synthetic concoction could be carcinogens (according to the EPA). The known chemical(s) being used are known toxins (eye, skin, and respiratory irritants).  No long term studies have been done on the effects to human health.  The proposed sprayings will not be done to protect residents from a clear and present public health danger, but rather to protect special interests worried about eradicating the Gypsy Moth.

We do NOT approve and will not tolerate the spraying/fumigation/dropping/planting, etc. of pesticides/insecticides in our area of Indiana/Kosciusko County/Warsaw/Winona Lake.

Indiana/Kosciusko County/Warsaw/Winona Lake residents have a right to refuse fumigation without proof of a clear and present public health danger. Any mandatory pesticide spraying of chemicals must be approved by the people in the area to be sprayed with a vote.

Even though the State of Indiana has denied any public health threat, government agencies from other states, including California, admit that the pesticide could pose a threat to some people, stating "not all health effects can be predicted and because the general population includes susceptible (people), such as children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, we cannot provide a definitive cause for their symptoms [experienced after the spraying in Santa Cruz and Monterey]."

We need laws that protect us and our environment, not special interests, and to ensure that we are not subjected to chemicals against our individual rights without due process, and a public vote.

We therefore demand legislation requiring that any mandatory aerial spraying of any chemical over populated areas or private property must have the explicit consent of the individuals and property owners.  Further, if the spraying is to address a public health danger, it must be approved by a 2/3 majority public vote.

The Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources is only taking comments until Feb. 12, 2009 on this issue. 

You can also submit comments by sending them to:  DNR division of entomology and plant pathology, 402 West Washington Street, Room 290W.  Indianapolis, IN  46204.  or fax to: 317-232-2649.  or contact Scott Kinzie at 317-232-4120.  Comments will be taken no later that Feb. 12, 2009!