Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2020 03 05

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the continued exposures to chemicals as well. The data has been available on this for years: https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/pesticide-induced-diseases-database/body-burden https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/factsheets/LAWNFACTS&FIGURES_8_05.pdf http://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/childrens-health.html What I hope to learn is that the stewards/leaders of our community consider these aspects of health as you make decisions on how to maintain our beautiful, inviting city. There are resources that cities use when they are transitioning away from herbicide use. Perhaps the city council would review the links below and reach out to one of these organizations for suggestions? It is happening all over the country. Cities are moving to safer alternatives. They are banning chemicals. They are even banning gas-operated leaf blowers in favor of rakes and brooms. Here are a couple of organizations I see that are regularly working with communities: http://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/cities.html https://www.beyondpesticides.org/ https://www.momsacrossamerica.com/ Another aspect to weed management is the health of our turf. This means not over-watering grass. It is healthier for grass to be watered deeply, but less frequently, so that the roots grow deeper, and then less weeds can take hold. Taking this into consideration would also be beneficial in that we'd use less water which is scarce in the west. Walking across fields in our town, I've found them so soggy that my shoes are soaked through. We could consider planting native, drought resistant, plants rather than ones that look prettier (including so much grass) but really don't thrive in our climate. We know that dandelions are the first food for bees, so killing them in the spring has negative impacts for our pollinators, the birds that eat bugs, etc. These are all important aspects to a healthy eco-system. I think it's clear that I favor a considerable reduction of chemical use in our city. However, for those times when herbicides are still used, it is important for me to know in advance which areas will be sprayed. I have often been out walking or riding and enter an area that is actively being sprayed. We don't post enough flags at all access routes to fields and it's easy to enter an area and learn a few minutes later that fresh chemicals are present. Also, it's my understanding that it's not required by law to notify in advance or put up flags when rock areas and cracks in pavements are sprayed. It is important for residents to know about chemicals in non-turf areas as these are places where dogs often sniff and potty. Again, I thank you for your time and effort working to keep Louisville wonderful. I hope my input will be taken into consideration as you make ongoing decisions on our behalf. Kind Regards, Diane Shepard Louisville, CO On 2/21/2020 5:02 PM, Ashley Stolzmann wrote: Hello, I am writing because you have contacted me in the past about herbicide use on city property. I wanted to let you know that on Tuesday, the City Council is going to be discussing whether or not to continue to use certain herbicides (glyphosate and 2,4-D) and our integrated weed management plan in general. You have already let me know your perspective & I thank you for that. There are several new Council Members that may not have heard from you & public feedback is invaluable when making important decisions for our community. The meeting is Tuesday night (2/25) at 7pm in City Hall and the public is welcome to come and weigh in on the topic. If you cannot make the meeting, you are welcome to send your comments in advance in an e-mail to Council@LouisvilleCO.gov A link to the agenda and background information on what we are discussing can be found here: https://www.louisvilleco.gov/home/showdocument?id=26170 Thank you, 7