On Tuesday, August 21st, the Santa Rosa City Council approved the use of organic-only methods for landscape maintenance services in Santa Rosa parks, medians and around office buildings throughout most of the city. The Council approved a one-year extension for the City’s contracted landscape services, with the requirement that only weed control products approved by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) and no Glyphosate-based products be used. In addition, City park maintenance staff will continue using only OMRI approved products, along with horticultural and mechanical methods to control weeds.
“Recreation & Parks staff and the City’s contract landscape services provider have been listening to the direction of City Council and the concerns of citizens regarding the use of the glyphosate chemicals for weed control and have committed to using only organic methods during the 2018-19 contract period,” says Caluha Barnes, Interim Director of the Recreation & Parks Department.
The contract renewal approved on Tuesday will be the final one-year extension with the City’s existing contractor, Golden Gate Landscape Management. It allows for non-glyphosate weed-control to continue while the City pursues a new contract. The new contract will provide an opportunity for local vendors to propose innovative approaches to landscape management and identify costs associated with non-glyphosate alternatives. The City plans to submit a Request for Proposal for the new contract in the coming weeks.
Weed Control Facts:
•No chemical application of either synthetic or organic weed control is allowed in children’s play areas, dog parks, community gardens, covered picnic areas, creeks /seasonal creeks, storm water features, or near day care facilities.
•Recreation & Park and its contractor utilize and abide by many resources including the Russian River Friendly Guidelines, Storm Water Permit, Water Efficient Landscape Policy, Healthy Schools Act and all State Regulations.
•Organic-only weed control applications are made in planter areas, pavement cracks, tree rings, ball field warning tracks and around the bases of signs and bollards. Insecticides are not allowed.
•All spray applicators are trained and receive licensing from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulations.
•Signs are posted in parks 48 hours prior and 48 hours after application. There is no spray within 24 hours of forecast rain or 24 hours after a rain event; or when wind or gusts greater than 5 mph; and/or when people or pets are present in the area to be treated.
•Applications at shared school sites are only on non-school days during holidays and school breaks.
•Only products labeled for specific weed control are used to control weeds.
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