PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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UPDATE ON THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM BEING DEVELOPED FOR MARTIN COUNTY OPERATIONS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On September 25, 2018 the Board of County Commissioners (Board) directed staff to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program for County operations. Staff will provide an update on progress made towards the development and implementation of the IPM Program.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Jim Gorton and Kylie Yanchula
Title: Deputy Public Works Director and Mosquito Control Manager
REQUESTED BY: Martin County Board of County Commissioners
PRESET: 1:30 PM
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
On September 25, 2018, the Board directed staff to pursue an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. IPM is a practice promoting sustainable pest management methods that minimize health, environmental, and economic risks. It is an approach that uses a combination of techniques to suppress pest populations (e.g., weeds, insects, diseases, etc.). By pursuing an IPM Program, the County is committing to effective, environmentally-sensitive pest control operations.
The Pesticide Stewardship Working Group, with representatives from all applicable departments within the County, has been tasked with the development and oversight of the IPM Program. To date, the Pesticide Stewardship Working Group has developed the ‘Martin County Integrated Pest Management Procedural Guidelines’ which provide the framework for the IPM Program and provide flexibility to develop future portions of the Program. Utilizing this framework, the Working Group has also developed a draft ‘Martin County Integrated Pest Management Program’. Once complete, the IPM Program will be updated continuously as new technologies and best management practices are developed. Staff continues to evaluate new and emerging technologies and products while developing this plan.
During the September 25th meeting, the Board expressed concern regarding the use of glyphosate to control invasive and exotic vegetation on aquatic sites. Given the importance of this particular issue, and to ensure that it is addressed appropriately in the IPM Program, the Working Group developed three test sites to identify viable alternatives to the current management strategy. The aquatic weed control test sites are being managed utilizing alternative control measures for 9 months, after which staff will provide specific recommendations for proceeding with vegetation management in these areas. Preliminary results suggest that utilizing a combination approach of mechanical removal and alternative herbicides will maintain the current level of service for flood control and exotic vegetation control. However, results also appear to be site specific indicating that treatment strategies will likely need to be targeted. The study will be complete in October, allowing for the evaluation of a full growing season. Upon study completion, the IPM Program will be updated.
ISSUES:
Implementing the Integrated Pest Management Program will have fiscal impacts which will be presented during the budget hearings.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
N/A
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board direct staff to continue to draft the IPM Program and permit staff to make scientifically-valid updates as new technologies, products, and methods become available.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Move that the Board provide direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
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ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.