Proposed Dates of Use: As conditions and time permit on February 13 & 14 2024
Street Address/Site Name: South Fork Preserve
Detailed Location of Application Site: Throughout the habitat and undeveloped areas. Site-specific postings will include details on exact location at time of application.
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. Changing weather conditions and operational factors may delay the application. If so, the notice will be re-posted with new proposed dates.
EPA Reg #: 432-1561, 62719-259 Pesticide Type: Herbicide City Use Type: Tier II Limited-Use, more restrictive
Target Pests: Short-pod mustard, black mustard, Italian thistle, yellow star thistle, milk thistle, fluvellein, stinkwort, other broadleaf species as identified
Justification for Use: This herbicide use is justified due to the size of the site, size of infestation and growth stage of the existing weeds. The current infestation is largely a result of the nature of our sites and the fact they are surrounded by sources of weed infestations. The weeds can reduce the amount of grass cover or otherwise change the composition and structure of the habitat, reducing its value. Other weeds, including yellow star thistle, provide significant fuel for fire, burning hotter than grasses due to a high oil content. There is no reliable way to kill these weeds using non-chemical methods at the scale they exist on the sites.
Other than the reasons mentioned above, mechanical cultivation is not an option because the soil disturbance will hurt or kill the native grasses. Exposing soil could also allow for more weeds over time. Additionally, Open Space does not have does not have the resources to go through the treatment area and hoe or hand-pull each plant to kill it and prevent seed set and the amount of soil disturbance would be similar to mechanical cultivation.
More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the City's webpage: Integrated Pest Management
