Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2019 06 11

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The Louisville Parks and Open Space divisions use an integrated management approach to controlling noxious and nuisance weeds on City maintained properties, this approach is identified in the City of Louisville Integrated Weed Management Plan (IWMP). The IWMP establishes Best Management Practices and guidelines that aid the City in controlling noxious weeds. The plan was reviewed and approved by the Open Space Advisory Board (OSAB) in 2009 and updated in 2016 with unanimous OSAB approval. The IWMP was also reviewed and supported by the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Weed Coordinator, Colorado State University Weed Science Staff, the Colorado Department of Agriculture State Weed Coordinator, and the City of Lafayette Open Space Superintendent. The Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board (PPLAB) also reviews current practices and procedures for City Parks. Both PPLAB and OSAB review department policies and practices from time to time to provide recommendations to staff for updates. Both boards will be reviewing department policies and practices in late 2019 or early 2020. Weed management is conducted by City contractors, staff, and volunteers and includes hand pulling and clipping, mowing, reseeding, grazing, and herbicide applications to combat infestations. Using a combination of methods for noxious weed control increases the effectiveness and efficiency of control while also reducing herbicide use. When herbicides are used on City maintained properties, applicators are required to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and are required to contact individuals listed on the Colorado Pesticide Sensitivity Registry. The City only uses herbicides that are legally registered by the EPA and applied in compliance with EPA regulations. Two Chemicals account for the majority of herbicide used in the City • Glyphosate is the non -selective herbicide used in the City's Parks. This herbicide is used for "spot" spraying. As the term implies, this herbicide is used in a targeted fashion and is sprayed directly on the intended weed. No weed = no spraying. • 2, 4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid) is a selective herbicide. This means it is formulated to control select weeds but not damage the grass lawn. The city does one application of 2, 4-D in the spring to help control a wide variety of weed species. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space uses a number of communication platforms to inform the public about spraying activities. Staff uses onsite signage in advance of applications and uses yellow colored flags during the application to let users know that herbicide has been used. Once the sprayed plant material is dry it is safe to re-enter the area and staff will remove the flags. The city also provides an opportunity for residents and users to sign up for e-notifications related to herbicide application locations and timing. Please click HERE to sign up for e-notifications. You can help reduce the use of herbicides in Louisville • Clip a seed head or, if appropriate, pull a weed • Volunteer for a weed pulling event or through our adopt a park program • Use herbicide sparingly on your private property.