BRUNSWICK

Brunswick town councilors voted unanimously Monday to spend up to $40,000 to fight the browntail moth infestation, which is destroying hundreds of trees and causing health issues for citizens and visitors in Brunswick.

The funds are to be spent in six public spaces where “the largest number of people congregate on a regular basis and where exposure to toxic hairs emitted from the caterpillars have previously caused skin rashes and other more serious health-related issues,” according to a memo from Parks and Recreation Department Director Thomas Farrell written last week.

Dates for spraying at the six locations were not mentioned. Spraying may be done from the ground or by air, and details are yet to be resolved.

Brunswick is not alone; other coastal towns also are experiencing trees’ foliage eaten away and browntail caterpillars falling onto unsuspecting people nearby.

“We have an obligation to young children going to participate in our recreation programs to treat there,” Farrell said of Edward Field, Lishness and Shulman parks. “We’ve had a lot of browntail moth exposures and a lot of complaints.”

Treatment plans include pruning damaged tree limbs, injecting a tree’s vascular system or removing the tree entirely.

Councilor Suzan Wilson on Monday asked if Bowdoin College officials are in discussion about the moth issue.

“They are contemplating a similar treatment approach,” said Farrell.

Spraying will help, but it won’t be a cure-all.

“We’ll do our best to minimize the browntail moth, but it won’t be eradicated,” said Park and Facilities Manager Jay Astle, who is also a licensed arborist.

State help paying for spraying or tree treatment costs is something councilors and several residents agreed is needed.

“We need and appreciate the town’s help,” said resident Esther Mechler, member of the Browntail Moth Action Group, a citizen’s action association.

“We hope you’ll help us reach the people at Augusta to help with this,” she said.

lconnell@timesrecord.com