To: County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, Agricultural Preserve and Open Space District, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission
Department or Agency Name(s): County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, Agricultural Preserve and Open Space District, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission
Staff Name and Phone Number: Supervisors Gorin and Hopkins 707-565-2241
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Policies With Respect To Pesticides And Integrated Pest Management
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution establishing policies and procedures to coordinate integrated pest management and to prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, in sensitive areas
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Executive Summary:
While the County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, Ag + Open Space, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission have policies that are protective of human health and the environment, there is a need for better coordination between agencies and agency departments to ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of Integrated Pest Management policies. The proposed resolution will create no spray zones and clarify policies with respect to Integrated Pest Management.
Discussion:
Evolving science has increased public concerns about the effects of pesticides and herbicides on human health and the environment. At the same time, herbicides can be a conservation tool to control invasive and/or harmful vegetation (for example, Giant reed (Arundo donax), Perrenial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), and broom species) which threaten invasion of biologically rich wildlands and the ecological resources that Sonoma County is known for.
The proposed resolution will establish policies, including no spray zones on agency campuses parking lots, playing fields, plazas, playgrounds, and County-maintained libraries. The County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, Ag + Open Space, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission will eliminate pesticide use in all areas and by all departments and contractors to the maximum extent practicable. The County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, Ag + Open Space, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission will, to the maximum extent practicable, implement organic or mechanical alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The proposed resolution will also update Integrated Pest Management policies.
Integrated Pest Management is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties, and holistic Integrated Pest Management techniques can lessen the need for synthetic herbicides and other pesticides. The proposed resolution will clarify policies and ensure Integrated Pest Management plan coordination and implementation. Transparency will be maximized through an annual report to the respective agency boards on pesticide use. Permit Sonoma will coordinate the preparation of the report for the County as part of the County’s existing stormwater program.
This policy will impact public properties and projects, but it will not and cannot regulate private pesticide use. Except insofar as the Agricultural Commissioner enforces State requirements, the County is preempted from regulating the private use of herbicides and pesticides.
Prior Board Actions:
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Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: