Fence ordinance has beekeepers buzzing

VERNON — A line in the township code that prohibits the use of electric fences had local beekeepers buzzing at Monday night's council meeting.
The issue was raised by Dan Perez, who, speaking on behalf of Highland Lakes resident Sebastian Muenkwitz, asked the council to consider changing the regulation so beekeepers can protect their hives from black bears and other predators. Several other members of the Sussex County Beekeepers Association attended the meeting to support Perez's request.
According to Perez, Muenkwitz has two hives on his property that are protected by solar-powered electric fences. Township Zoning Officer Alison Larocca has asked Muenkwitz to remove the fences to comply with municipal regulations. However, Perez argued the hives will quickly be destroyed without the charged barriers. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife lists electric fencing as one of the most effective and efficient methods of protecting livestock and honeybees from predators, he added.
“If you have beehives in Sussex County, you have to have a solar fence. The reason is beautiful black bears,” Perez observed. “We need the fences as beekeepers. It's really not an option, it's a must.”
Though several council members expressed support for making a change to the code – acknowledging the critical role bees play in the environment – Councilman Patrick Rizzuto asked Perez and the other beekeepers to address concerns regarding the potential for the electric fences to harm unsuspecting youngsters. Rizzuto used the example of a four-year-old child who can't read approaching the fence, and sought reassurances the child wouldn't be lethally or otherwise permanently harmed.
Perez acknowledged the question as a valid concern. While he said he believed the fences are designed not to be permanently harmful, he indicated he would look into the matter and get back to the council.
Council President Jean Murphy also said she'd like to hear from other residents in town to see if they have additional concerns that need to be addressed before any changes to the code are made.