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<br />9. Discussion on Use of Herbicides in Parks <br /> Discussion on current process: The City follows more of a containment approach to <br />weeds: broadleaf (ex dandelion) application is in the spring only. No herbicides in <br />greenways. Glyphosate used for spot-spraying in sidewalk cracks, shrub beds, etc. <br /> City Council work plan for 2020 includes the review of the Integrated Weed <br />Management Plan. <br /> History: in 2008 the City stopped spraying all weeds and received negative feedback <br />from folks due to the look of the parks in the community. Decision was then reversed to <br />allow the use of herbicides when needed. In 2017, the City stopped spraying all <br />playgrounds and received positive feedback. <br /> Discussion on Modifications: The City of Boulder uses a highly restricted herbicide plan <br />in their parks. Marketing and communication materials highlight the policy and <br />communicate to residents and guests regarding the restricted herbicide use and the <br />implications in the parks, increased broadleaf weeds. <br /> Allison Johanson: Sustainability Advisory Board: Comments on using parts of the Boulder <br />County herbicide use plan. Interest in mitigating the negative effects of herbicides. <br />Proactive management of common areas to foster health and sustainability. Looking to <br />foster positive changes to limit herbicide use, ie: an integrated weed management plan <br />(mechanical, biological and limited herbicide use). Discussion around collaborating with <br />the Sustainability Advisory Board. <br /> Tracy Geagan, guest: Presented interest in limited/no herbicide use. Concerned about <br />marketing tactics of companies who produce herbicides using misleading information. <br />Discussion around the “drift” of 2,4-D as applications can make their way to private <br />property ½ mile or more away from spray sites. City uses 2,4-D in the spring and <br />communicates to adjacent homeowners ahead of time. Discussion around community <br />education on natural lawn care. CSU Extension office is a great resource; the City has <br />not taken this on recently. <br /> Debbie Davies, guest and beekeeper: Presented interest in no herbicide use. Feels that <br />we have a picture of green, pristine parks and would like the City to get away from that. <br />Has lost several hives over the years. Discussion around city issues such as the <br />community proportion of for vs. against spraying and the possibility of litigation <br />surrounding spraying of herbicides. <br /> Board Discussion: We can evaluate the process of neighboring municipalities (ex. <br />Boulder) and adopt practices that will have a positive impact on Louisville. Adopt <br />marketing strategies to communicate impacts of limited herbicide use (ex. Increased <br />dandelions). Discussion around a balanced approach and a step-wise approach. <br /> Discussion around marketing campaigns as we work towards a step-wise approach. <br />Possible use of Community Park as a pilot program and area to market a move towards <br />limited herbicide use. <br /> Board Discussion around incremental approach to herbicide reduction; maintaining <br />herbicide use in sports fields while limiting/eliminating herbicide use in playgrounds and <br />surrounding turf. Possible expansion of Adopt a Park program. <br /> We as a Board feel strongly about reducing the application of herbicides in playgrounds <br />and surrounding turf. We recommend the development of a marketing campaign to <br />foster public awareness and support as we move towards herbicide reduction and <br />elimination in select parks. <br /> 3