Proposed Dates of Use: As conditions and time permit March 2, 2023 on parking lots and planters in City Corporation Yards.
Applications will occur during working hours; schedule is dependent on wind and weather conditions staying within acceptable parameters. This application was rescheduled due to weather conditions from last month.
Detailed Location of Application Site: City-owned corporation yards located at 1717 and 1818 Fifth Street, closed to the public.
Posting and Notification: Site notifications will be posted at least 48 hours before application via the pesticide application electronic notification system and at site entrances.
Pesticide Products: Lifeline: Glufosinate Ammonium 24.5%; Capstone (Triclopyr Triethylamine Salt, Aminopyralid Triisopropanolamine Salt)
EPA Reg#: No. 70506-310
Pesticide Type: Herbicide
City Use Type: Tier 2, Limited-use, more restrictive – Capstone; Tier 3 hazard ranking, least restrictive - Lifeline
Target Pests: Various broadleaf weeds and annual grasses
Justification for Use: This herbicide use is justified because it is the only reliable method to keep the identified areas safe and free of vegetation. Staff and contractors have been unable to manage weeds in the yards using mechanical and cultural methods alone.
Explanation of IPM Methods Used: In the past, crews have completed mechanical control with string trimmers around the yard with mixed results and damage caused to vehicles. String trimming is still utilized when the weeds are too mature to spray and in areas where it is safe to do so. However, string trimmers throw debris and rocks when in use, which can endanger individuals and their property in these high-use facilities of the City. Additionally, the current practices of trimming and mulching serve only to perpetuate the issue, as the methods create conducive conditions for weed growth. As the weeds are trimmed, their seeded remains are spread throughout the area. Even when they are cleared by raking, the seeds remain embedded in the soils. The mulch provides a protective layer and moisture that enables germination of the newly spread seeds, and this creates a larger area of weed material in the planters. Finally, string trimming of weeds around the yards currently requires at least 3 treatments each growing season to be effective.
Strategies to Prevent Future Applications: Unfortunately, there are no other methods that can be utilized in these specific areas to safely mitigate invasive weeds at this time. Options such as crack-sealing and hardscaping are being explored in certain areas, but this will not be suitable for all applications.
More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the City's webpage: Integrated Pest Management
