HAWLEY — The state Department of Agricultural Resources’ mosquito control program that several local towns have opted out of is now being considered by Hawley.

While the Selectboard heard opinions from residents in its Tuesday meeting, the board will not decide whether to propose an alternate program until its next meeting, which has not yet been posted to the town calendar.

The key issue with the state’s program, which several local towns have cited as a reason to opt out, is that the state would conduct aerial insecticide spraying if certain viruses are found in mosquito populations. Local towns that have already opted out include Greenfield, Wendell, Erving, Gill and Montague. Some have considered joining the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District, which provides services to towns for routine monitoring and testing of mosquitoes.

To opt out, a town must provide an alternative plan by May 28. The plan must then be approved by the state.

Also at Tuesday’s hearing was Randy Crochier, regional health director of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ Cooperative Public Health Service, who explained technicalities of the state’s program and how the town might opt out of it.

The minimum requirement in such a plan is some sort of educational outreach program, according to Crochier. However, he added, it is not clear whether a plan must also include more beyond just educational outreach, such as mosquito monitoring and testing, in order to be accepted.

“There is no solid answer as to whether a plan with strictly education would be accepted,” Crochier said.

While some in the meeting raised concerns about the idea of aerial spraying — especially regarding its potential effects on the larger ecosystem — not all opinions opposed the idea.

“I’m not concerned with the spraying effects. I’d much rather control the mosquitoes,” commented Kirby “Lark” Thwing, the town moderator.

One issue somewhat unique to Hawley is that much of the land in the town is actually owned by the state. The land includes a large bog, which Crochier noted is likely a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The Selectboard wondered if that land would be the town’s responsibility if it were to opt out of the state’s program, but Crochier said it is not clear.

“That’s a big piece of land when you talk about Hawley,” Crochier said.

If the town were to opt out, the key piece of any alternative plan would be to educate residents of where potential mosquito breeding grounds might be, Crochier said.

“It’s just a matter of looking at what you have for standing water and breeding grounds,” Crochier said. “That is a big part of the education.”

Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.