1 City Council
March 5, 2024
City-Wide
Integrated Pest Management Policy
2 • Goal of IPM
• Existing Guidance
• Impacts of product bans on operations
• Typical IPM
• Staff Recommendations
• Next Steps
Outline
3 • Pesticide: Chemical used to eradicate pests, includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc. • Glyphosate: Active ingredient in Roundup recognized as an effective herbicide. The various trade names used for
Glyphosate are based on the types of applications that they are approved for e.g., "Rodeo" is Glyphosate mixed with other chemicals for use in aquatic environments (less toxic to amphibians)
• Neonicotinoids: Broad spectrum group of pesticides that kill more than the intended species. Has been shown to have
dramatic effect on bee populations
Definitions
4 • Pesticides and fertilizers were used to help launch the Green Revolution. Increasing crop yields and preventing hundreds of millions of people from starving
• Pesticide use began to have significant environmental impacts as they were over-used, killed non-target species, and were linked to human health impacts
Reasons to decrease pesticide use
5 • Persists in the environment for days or months
• Widely used in agriculture and landscape maintenance
• Listed as a probable carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Lawsuits have filed and won against the chemical manufacturer • Health risks are most acute to pesticide applicator
Concerns with Glyphosate
6 • Goal is to develop a City-Wide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy
• This policy will provide guidance to staff and contractors working for the City to ensure landscapes are designed and maintained in a manner that reduces the need for fossil fuel powered equipment, herbicides, insecticides, and other
anthropomorphic inputs that have an ability to exacerbate climate change
• Ensure policy supports the City's ability to protect against increased fire severity due to invasive species and climate change
Integrated Pest Management
Typical IPM Policy
• Pest identification
• Research least toxic methods to
address impacts to pests
• If action needed, apply least toxic
methods first then evaluate
• If further action needed, apply next
least toxic method
7 8
• Planting spaces with dense plantings
• Mechanical removal where possible
• Avoid problematic species where possible
• Use pesticides as a last resort and following a least-toxic approach first
Start with non-pesticide actions first
9 • Tolerate
• Identify disease
• Mechanical removal of diseased
parts (Spidermites)
• Spray with appropriate pesticide
• Replace with pest resistant
species (except: Luther Burbank
Gardens)
Pest Management Solutions - Insects
10 • Tolerate
• High density plantings
• Mulch 3” deep apply annually
• Mechanical removal
• Grazing
• Herbicides
Pest Management Solutions – Weeds
11 • Tolerate
• Identify disease
• Mechanical removal of diseased
parts (Fireblight)
• Spray with appropriate pesticide
(Copper sulphate, Sulfur, or other)
• Replace with pest resistant species
(except: Luther Burbank Gardens)
Pest Management Solutions – Plant
Diseases
12 • Complete ban of neonicotinoids
• Minimize the use of all pesticides throughout the City using IPM policy
• Require staff to have Certified Pesticide Applicator to apply or supervise
• When spraying any pesticide staff will use goggles, chemical resistant clothing (Tyvek suit), chemical resistant gloves, and rubber boots
Draft Policy on Pesticide Bans
13 • Ban Glyphosate use in most-sensitive areas:
• Playgrounds
• Public gathering spaces
• Picnic areas
• Other areas with identified sensitive receptors
• Include specific exceptions
Draft Policy on Pesticide Bans
14 • Allow use in cases of public health and safety
• Allow use on road medians and parking structures
• Allow on ball fields that are closed for renovations, not active fields
• Allow use on invasive plants (non-routine activities) • Once objectives are achieved, decrease use or eliminate completely
Exceptions to Glyphosate Ban
15 • Create website to highlight activities to prevent pesticide use • IPM Policy
• Tips for managing pests without pesticides
• Annual report of pesticide use on city properties
• All pesticide applications will be posted prior to listed date of application
• When planning to apply pesticides, close area to the public and post signs about pesticide application
Pesticide-Use Transparency
16 It is recommended by Santa Rosa Water and the Recreation and Parks Department, that the Council of the City of Santa Rosa, by resolution, adopt the City-Wide Integrated Pest Management Policy.
Recommendation
17 Questions/Discussion