Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2021 02 04

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9. Discuss Marketing Plan for Organic Weed Control Methods • Decision to move to organic weed control methods was made for the heath and well- being of staff and community members. • Council decision was for the health of the community and for climate issues. Council wishes to encourage carbon sequestration in the soil and to find ways to manage weeds that will not harm the environment. Suggest emphasizing heath aspects to the public. Council decision impacts city -owned parks and open spaces, not including the golf course. • Discussion around communicating weed mitigation methods to the public, communicating the work in progress on cumulative impacts. • Move to limited herbicides was attempted in 2008 without success. Looking forward to greater public acceptance as more communities make the move to limiting/eliminating glyphosate. • Noted impacts: crusher fine trails at arboretum and community dog park are beginning to sprout weeds. • More and more communities are working on the reduction of herbicides together. Pilot project with group "Win to Work" for willow removal at the golf course was successful. May expand partnership to use a full crew and supervisor to tackle mechanical weed control. • Signage to identify herbicide free zones with a QRL code to link to city website (city guidance on herbicide use) with additional information. Quick and direct information focusing on benefits and reasons behind initiative: community and environmental health. • Field educators can travel with the park ranger to interact with public. • Short videos on social media outlining benefit of program and showing staff at work • Use of organic herbicides does not mean no spraying. Public will still witness spraying; however, herbicide will be organic only and will not include glyphosate. • Beware of using too many signs. • Make resources available to public for education and ways to help in the community and in and around the home. • Note that full organic herbicide roll -out occurred following a successful pilot program with select parks. Suggest partnering with the Sustainability Advisory Board. • Public calls last spring were understanding as policy was explained. Dog Park users were understanding of the challenges faced this summer. • Decision: Nathan will create draft guidance and information for further review by PPLAB. 10. Goalsetting Discussion and Tentative Work Plan for 2021 • Upcoming development review • Lag in capital projects will lead to a lighter agenda and opportunity to explore other areas for review. • Funding for Parks Signs approved. PPLAB to review locations. • Irrigation Replacement at Louisville Sports Complex. • Funds approved for Cottonwood playground improvements.