Title
Resolution Urging the City to Compile and Disseminate Educational and Outreach Materials about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Best Practices and Turf Grass Reduction Strategies to Owners of Turf Grass within the City
Memorandum
The management of turf grass, including the overuse of pesticides to maintain turf grass, is inconsistent with the City’s Sustainability Framework goal of maintaining healthy ecosystems and appropriate stewardship of our natural resources. Members of the Ann Arbor Community have expressed their support for the Integrated Pest Management Plan used by Natural Area Preservation (NAP) and City Parks in the service of controlling invasive species and maintaining healthy and enjoyable public spaces, as well as NAP’s practice of converting some turf grass areas into prairie or areas with diverse native plants. However, the maintenance of turf grass and the unnecessary overuse of pesticides by property owners and businesses is still evident throughout the city, and members of the Ann Arbor community have encouraged the City to take a stronger, proactive approach to this issue. The Environmental Commission, in response to these concerns, is recommending that the City compile and disseminate educational material about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best practices and successes in maintaining turf grass with minimal to no use of chemicals as well as information about how to replace some turf grass areas with diverse natural plantings. This educational material will be used to educate owners of turf grass about IPM best practices and how to reduce the environmental impacts associated with turf grass.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The financial impact to compile and disseminate these educational materials is minimal.
Definition of Terms:
Pests are defined as any noxious/invasive plant, problem insect, plant disease, rodent, nematode or microorganism which is detrimental to the environment or the management plan for the selected facility.
Pesticides are defined as any synthetic chemical control of a pest, be it herbicide, fungicide or insecticide.
Staff
Prepared by: The Ann Arbor Environmental Commission
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Framework contains the Healthy Ecosystems Goal to conserve, protect, enhance, and restore our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Council designated Ann Arbor as a Bee City USA and is committed to working towards a pollinator-friendly community with the creation of the Pollinator Subcommittee;
Whereas, The Natural Area Preservation and Parks Department have adopted an environmentally responsible Integrated Pest Management program that reduces both pests and pesticide risks by incorporating low-risk control options;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor wishes to promote lawn care practices that minimize the use of pesticides, particularly of those materials or practices which can cause damage to wildlife and water resources;
Whereas, It is evident that many areas of lawn across the City could be greatly reduced, resulting in very considerable cost savings related to the reduction in use of water, fossil fuels (mowing, etc.) and pesticides; and
Whereas, The use of certain pesticides has been known or suspected to cause harm to people, pets and pollinators and is not necessary to grow and maintain green lawns and ornamental landscapes, given the availability of viable alternative practices and products;
RESOLVED, City Council urges the City Administrator to compile educational material about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Best Practices and turf grass reduction, and circulate these materials in the community;
RESOLVED, City Council supports the adoption and implementation of Integrated Pest Management practices currently employed by the Parks Department at all City-owned properties;
RESOLVED, City Council authorizes and directs the City Administrator to identify owners of turf grass property for the purpose of outreach and education; and
RESOLVED, City Council requests that the City Administrator work with staff to examine the possibility of implementing a certification program for lawn care practices that meet the standards set forth by the Parks Department IPM.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Bannister, Smith, Eaton, Hayner and Mayor Taylor