Look Now for Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses and Nymphs
As you spruce up your yard this spring, please check for any spotted lanternfly egg masses and nymphs– and destroy them using an alcohol solution. Invasive lanternflies laid egg masses last fall that will emerge over the next 60 days.
Seek and Destroy Egg Masses
The Penn State Extension offers tips to reduce this year’s population.
- Look first for egg masses on their favorite tree species: Red maple, silver maple and willows.
- Eggs may also be discovered in protected areas under rocks and on lawn furniture, decks, fences, rusty metal and many other surfaces.
- Spotted lanternfly eggs can be destroyed by scraping them from the surface where they were laid into an alcohol solution, such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Eggs can also be destroyed by thoroughly smashing them.
When You Spot Nymphs, Destroy Them
Early stage nymph lanternflies may be found on any outdoor surface between April and July. Nymphs are less than a quarter inch long, with black bodies and white spots.
Bucks County Lanternfly Quarantine
Bucks County is among about three dozen Pennsylvania counties under spotted lanternfly quarantine. As a resident, when you travel or move any items stored within or outside the quarantine area, check for and remove all stages of spotted lanternfly. Download and follow the Travel Checklist before you travel.
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Denise Burmester Named Director of Planning and Zoning
The Township’s new Director of Planning and Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, Denise Burmester, has over four years experience as Administrative Assistant and as Interim Director in the same department. In her new position, she will be the point person for all land-related compliance reviews, working with property owners and developers as they seek approval for permits, land development, subdivisions and Zoning Hearing Board applications.
Denise has honed her municipal skills over the last three years with coursework from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs in Records Management, Zoning and Managing the Subdivision Review Process. She fills the position previously held by longtime Director Dave Kuhns, who passed away in August 2021.
Prior to joining Upper Makefield Township, Denise worked in the information technology field as a project manager, systems engineer and software technician.
Please join us in congratulating Denise on her promotion.
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Don't Let Spring Rains Wash Chemicals and Harmful Bacteria into our Waterways
Spring rains can wash chemicals and harmful bacteria into our public water systems. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, stormwater drains carry untreated water directly into the tributaries and groundwater that feeds into the Delaware River. Your everyday property decisions can help keep our waterways clean. Here’s how to help.
- Limit use of lawn chemicals, applying minimal application amounts
- Landscape with native plants
- Bag and compost leaves and grass clippings
- Sweep curbside street inlets and drains free of yard debris
- Never blow leaves or grass into the street or waterways
- Clean up after your pet to reduce the level of harmful bacteria flowing into streams
- Pick up litter and trash when you see it
- Dispose of oil and automotive fluids properly and legally
Upper Makefield offers many tips on stormwater management on our website, including a link to a helpful guide to stormwater management practices for homeowners.
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Spring Cleanup Tips
As you emerge from winter doldrums to clean up your basement and yard, please note these spring reminders:
Tree Removals Require a Permit
Upper Makefield Township community leaders remain committed to retaining the rural character of the Township, including protecting the overall tree canopy. If you plan to remove a tree that is six inches or more in diameter, you need to apply for a permit. This includes dead tree removal, which must also include photos of the tree(s) to be removed. Here is a list of forms and submissions required before any trees are removed:
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Zoning Use and Occupancy Permit Application, include the number of trees to be removed in the Description of Proposed Improvement. This constitutes the tree removal permit. The application should also include:
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A Plot Plan indicating each tree location, tree species and dimensions.
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A Reforestation Plan of the proposed replacement trees, noting location, caliper and species, where applicable.
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A Letter from owner indicating reason for tree removal.
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A Certificate of Insurance from the arborist removing the tree, naming Upper Makefield Township as “Certificate Holder.”
Tree Grant Program
If you must remove a tree, the Township encourages replanting. Our UMTree Grant Program is a developer-funded program that reimburses property owners up to $975 for purchase, planting and protective fencing for up to 12 new Pennsylvania native trees. Please see UMTree Grant Program for details.
Make it Harder for Mosquitoes to Breed in your Backyard
You can help beautify Bucks County and reduce disease-vector mosquitoes when you clean up your own property this spring. Mosquitoes will reproduce near standing water that collects on boats, containers, old tires, rain gutters – even a crumpled plastic bag.
Mosquitoes are a public health threat as well as buzzkills for outdoor activities. They carry pathogens like West Nile virus among the animals and humans they bite. The CDC offers an online comprehensive guide to mosquito control.
Safe Selling on Social Media
The best way to get rid of things is to find a new home for them. If you use online social media to sell or giveaway items, consider meeting at a safe, public space. The UMT Police Department parking lot is marked for meet-ups, where a camera records all activity.
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling April 2
This year’s first household hazardous waste drop-off program is Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locations cycle throughout Bucks County, and this year's first event is nearby: Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, in Newtown. Look here for details on the program and to find links to flyers about electronics disposal and leftover latex paint.
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Report Potholes
As sure as the daffodils rise each spring, potholes mark our roadways after the extreme temperature swings of winter. Please help the Township and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) prioritize pothole repairs by reporting the potholes you navigate.
PennDOT Roads
Township Roads
- Call Upper Makefield Public Works at 215-968-3314 to report a pothole on a Township-owned road.
Private Roads
- Call your Homeowners Association to report a pothole on a private road.
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Round-up
Saturday, April 2
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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Flyer.
Saturday, April 23
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Earth Day Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Core Creek Park, Pavilion 2, 901 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne, PA 19047.
Saturday, April 30
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. UMT Police Department, 1076 Eagle Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Information Pamphlet.
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Upper Makefield Township | uppermakefield.org | 215-968-3340
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