Proposed Dates of Use: As conditions and time permit on February 8, 2024
Street Address/Site Name: North Davis Uplands, South Fork Preserve, Mace Ranch Park Passive Recreation Area, Woodbridge Natural Area, Willowbank Areas 9&10, Howat Ranch, Wildhorse Ag Buffer, Cannery Hedgerow, North Davis Channel “A”, Parks Corporation Yard
Detailed Location of Application Site: Throughout managed areas
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, remaining 24 hours after.
Target Pests: Woody vegetation that contributes to fuel loading, obstructs trails, and interferes with visibility or prevents safe access for maintenance and emergencies.
Justification for Use: This herbicide use is justified due to the need to conduct fire-fuel abatement in Open Space areas, and for safe, year-round public access to the sites. Dense woody vegetation in close proximity to roads and paths poses a threat to users because it blocks visibility and can physically block the paths. City operations staff is also experiencing increased call for fire abatement in all areas of town. Open Space staff also needs to safely access these areas throughout the year to perform maintenance and react to changing conditions during the rainy season.
Explanation of IPM Methods Used: Staff will only use cut stump herbicide application in the areas identified above. All other acreage included in Open Space management areas is maintained using a variety of IPM techniques, always with a priority on least chemical use.
The use of mechanical removal of cut stumps (ex. using heavy equipment to dig up root masses) was analyzed and eliminated from consideration due to multiple problems. The primary challenge is that excavating root masses would potentially damage near-by desirable vegetation. Further, resulting disturbed soil will promote new weed growth and possibly impact stormwater quality via sediment transport. It’s important to note that staff will coordinate vegetation management efforts with the Environmental Resources Division to ensure water quality and habitat value are preserved. Thinning dense areas of vegetation can help protect habitat value by reducing fuels that could lead to intense fire and resulting full loss of habitat.
Strategies to Prevent Future Applications: Well-timed stump-cut application will kill the specific, unwanted tree or shrub immediately and eliminate the need for future management. Once large, unwanted woody vegetation is removed, staff can prevent the establishment of new woody vegetation through mowing and hand removal while still small.
More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the City's webpage: Integrated Pest Management
