The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About07-07-2020 IPM AgendaQiY OF SEBAST, HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JULY 7TH, 2020 — 3:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL III. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Date for Final Approval of IPM Plan by Sub -Committee and Presentation Schedule IV. PUBLIC INPUT V. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Section VI. Pesticide Use Methodology i. Discussion of new elements Item B. Section VII. Data Management i. Data Recording ii. Data Reporting VI. OLD BUSINESS Item A. Revised Approved Pesticide List i. Final approval for IPM Plan —ACTION ITEM Item B. Revised Table of Non -Chemical Controls ii. Final approval for IPM Plan —ACTION ITEM VIII. SUB -COMMITTEE MEMBER MATTERS IX. STAFF MATTERS X. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA XI. ADJOURNMENT ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F. S). IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)-589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE. 0iY 4'( HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation Backqround: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM July 7th, 2020 III. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Date for Final Approval of IPM Plan by Sub -Committee and Presentation Schedule Submitted for Committee Member reference If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Schedule for finalization of the Parks IPM Plan Tuesday, July 7th Tuesday, July 14th Monday, July 20tn Monday, July 271n Tuesday, August 4tn Parks IPM Plan Roll -Out Schedule 3PM IPM Sub -Committee Meeting 3PM IPM Sub -Committee Meeting 3PM FINAL IPM Sub -Committee Meeting, final plan approval — PENDING APPROVAL 6PM Present Final Plan to Parks & Recreation Board for approval 6PM Present Final Plan to Natural Resources Board for approval Wednesday, August 26t" 6PM Present Final Plan and Resolution to City Council for Approval COOP SEBAST�IAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation Backqround: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM July 7th, 2020 V. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Section VI. Chemical Methodology For Committee Member Discussion If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Chemical Methodology section of IPM Plan Integrated Pest Management Plan VI. PESTICIDE USE METHODOLOGY Chemical Controls should only be utilized when biological, mechanical, and cultural control methods are unavailable, impractical, ineffective, or fail to reduce pest populations below tolerance thresholds. Planning Pesticide Application Inspection and Monitoring. Before chemical control methods are utilized, City staff will properly identify the pest and record data on population estimates, weather, and location. All inspection and application data will be recorded in the field by the certified applicator on the "Chemical Control Log" Form (Appendix D). Frequency. Routinely scheduled pesticide applications should be avoided whenever possible, unless such applications may be reasonably expected to result in an overall reduction in pesticide use when compared with all other practicable alternatives. Approved Pesticide List A comprehensive list of approved pesticides for use within the City's parks and properties has been compiled by the IPM Sub -Committee. These chemicals have either been previously utilized by City Staff, recommended through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) extension office publications, or discovered through extensive staff and committee member research. The "Approved Pesticide Spreadsheet" includes pertinent chemical attributes such as: active ingredients and their percentages, EPA Registration #, targeted pest, a cost rating per 1000 ft2, and the observed staff efficacy of the product. (Figure 5) Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ). To best create a comparison among chemical methods, the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) Method will be applied. Developed by Cornell University, the EIQ is a numerical model for pesticide selection. The formula takes into account factors such as: toxicity to humans, leachability to groundwater, runoff potential, soil persistence, and the effects on non -target terrestrial and aquatic species. (Appendix E) The risk of each chemical is the product of its overall toxicity and the potential for exposure. Cornell has a published table of commonly used chemicals and their calculated scores. (Kovatch, et.al, 1992) Field Use EIQ. However, since the risk of a chemical's use increases with the amount that is applied, it is necessary to take into account the rate of application. In order to accomplish this, the EIQ is multiplied by the % of the active ingredient and the rate of application to create the Field Use EIQ Rating. The field use EIQ s for all chemicals applied over a period of time can then be summed to create a field number that can then be compared to assess the reduction in environmental impacts among years or City of Sebastian Page 21 Integrated Pest Management Plan seasons. The Field Use EIQ can also be utilized to compare when multiple applications of a low EIQ chemical are required versus when single applications are required of a high EIQ chemical. (Kovatch, et.al, 1992) New or Restricted Pesticides It is not advisable to prohibit the use of any IPM Method. Unforeseeable conditions may arise in which City staff is limited in what will be effective at reducing pest populations. In addition, the IPM Sub -Committee also recognizes that new pesticides are constantly being developed and approved, which may prove more to be more environmentally and economically sustainable than current approved pesticides. On the "Approved Pesticide List" (Figure 5), specific pesticides are labeled as "restricted use." Use of these pesticides is to be avoided. These are only to be utilized to restore pest populations back down to a tolerance threshold at which it can then be managed by preferred methods. Before use of a restricted chemical or any new chemical that is not included on this spreadsheet, a "Pesticide Exemption Form" (Appendix F) must be completed by staff and submitted to the IPM Coordinator and City Manager for signed approval. The form requires thorough justification for use of the chemical. City of Sebastian Page 22 Integrated Pest Management Plan Appendix D: Chemical Control Log City of Sebastian Page 34 CITY OF SEBASTIAN CHEMICAL CONTROL LOG LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT APPLICATOR NAME: DATE OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME EPA REGISTRATION # I PARK LOCATION I PEST(S) TARGETED METHOD OF APPLICATION TIME OF APPLICATION WEATHER CONDITIONS TEMPERATURE WIND SPEED [MPH] PEST POPULATION / FTz CIRCLE ONE: Very Low Low SIZE OF AREA TREATED PRODUCT CONCENTRATION APPLICATION RATE Moderate H igh Very High APPLICATOR NAME: ADDITIONAL NOTES DATE OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME EPA REGISTRATION # PARK LOCATION PEST(S) TARGETED METHOD OF APPLICATION TIME OF APPLICATION WEATHER CONDITIONS TEMPERATURE WIND SPEED (MPH) PEST POPULATION / FTz CIRCLE ONE: Very Low Low Moderate High Very High SIZE OF AREA TREATED PRODUCT CONCENTRATION APPLICATION RATE ADDITIONAL NOTES Ln 0) O V) O Q N O i Integrated Pest Management Plan Appendix F: Pesticide Exemption Form City of Sebastian Page 38 Integrated Pest Management Plan Below is an example from the City of Davis, CA. If approved, a new form will be created specific to parks department procedures Pesticide Exemption Form This form is to be used to request an exemption for use of a pesticide product that is: a) not included on the Reduced -Risk Pesticide List, bj included on the list but a variance in restrictions of application is desired, or c) absent a recommendation from the IPM Specialist. The form shall be submitted to the department director for approval at least 4 days in advance of desired application. The IPM Specialist will post the exemption data on the City's website at least 48 hours prior to application. Applicant Information Name Department/ Division Phone Email Pesticide Dates) of Proposed Use Product Name Active Ingredients EPA Registration # Pesticide Type (Insecticide, Herbicide, Fungicide, etc.) Use Category (Approved -least hazardous/ Limited Use -more hazardous/ Limited Use Special Concern - Most hazardous/ Not Listed) + Attach product Label and MSDS Sheets Use Location Street Address Detailed location on site Integrated Pest Management Plan Justification Target Pest Date discussed with IPM Specialist Justification for Use Explanation of Alternative Controls Tried Strategies to Prevent Future Exemptions Additional Comments Department Director Approval: City Manager Approval: Date: Date: City of Sebastian Page 40 COOP SEBAST�IAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation Backqround: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM July 7th, 2020 V. NEW BUSINESS Item B. Section VII. Data Management For Committee Member Discussion If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Integrated Pest Management Plan VII. DATA MANAGEMENT Data Recording & Collection Field Data. Before chemical control methods are utilized, City staff will properly identify the pest and record data on population estimates. The date, time and location of pest will be recorded as well as the location and extent of turf damage or abnormalities. This data will be recorded on the Chemical Control Log Form (Appendix D) each time that pesticides are applied. These sheets will be completed manually in the field by the certified applicator and submitted to the IPM Coordinator monthly so that the data may be digitally compiled and stored. Purchase Orders. All purchase orders for chemicals or IPM related equipment and materials will be submitted annually to the IPM Coordinator. Third Party Contractors. All contractors who manage pests on City owned, leased, or managed property shall be required to adhere to the guidelines established in the City's IPM Plan. Contractors must sign the "IPM Plan Contractor Agreement" (Appendix B) and maintain records of all pest control activities. A summary of these activities must be submitted to the IPM Coordinator monthly, or upon completion of the job. These records must at the minimum include: name of certified applicator, target pest, date, time, site location, name of product, percent concentration applied, and amount applied. IPM Program Transparency All records and information regarding the IPM Program will be made available to employees and the public through the City's IPM Program Website and upon request, in accordance with the State's Sunshine Laws. Annual Report The IPM Coordinator will maintain all records relevant to the IPM Program, in order to prepare an annual report of the City's IPM activities. The annual report will be reviewed, each March, by the IPM Sub -Committee and City staff in an effort to assess the effectiveness of pest control methods, feasibility of new methods and technologies, and to decide whether revision of the IPM Plan is required. The annual report will include the following elements: • A summary of all field inspection data and chemical application record sheets • All non -chemical pest control methods implemented • Summarized data presented in tables and graphs to depict trends in usage and Field use EIQ City of Sebastian Page 24 Integrated Pest Management Plan • A discussion of all restricted chemical wavier forms submitted • Purchase Orders for all Pesticides • Pest management challenges reported by staff • Determine if the results have met expectations, or if the IPM plan requires modification • Summary of all public outreach activities conducted and their outcome • Any proposed modifications to Approved Pesticide List • Suggestions for amendments to the IPM Plan and policy City of Sebastian Page 25 COOP 2w HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation Backqround: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM July 7th, 2020 VI. OLD BUSINESS Item A. Revised Chemical Spreadsheet For Committee Member Discussion If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Spreadsheet comparison of all current and recommended chemical pesticides ME Advion Fire Ant ACTION EPA REG. # oil Insecticide 100-1481 ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S) Minh LABELED HAZARD LEVEL ----On EIQ 31.19 A.PPLIC.ATII R �R ACRE 1.5 LBS bnQ 0 TARGET PESTS Fire Ants PERMITTED COST MWd, 4 COST RATING/ 1 Goo ft2 (only nchud 111111111 c) - $ CITY STAFF OBSERVED Indoxacarb .045% Caution All Parks $341.60/ 25 LES HIGHLY Bait Avenger Herbicide 92967-1 d-Limonene 70% Caution N/A N/A Non -Selective All Parks $105.00/ GAL N/A N/A Conserve SC Insecticide 62719-291 Spinosad 11.6% N/A 14.38 0.68 LBS 1.1 Sod Webworms All Parks $147.03/ 32 OZ $$ N/A Dimension 2EW Pre Emergent Herbicide 62719-542 Dithiopyr 24% Warning 15.73 2 LBS 7.6 Broadleaf Weeds RESTRICTED* $116.75/ 64 OZ $$ MODERATELY Liquid Dr. Kirchner No data, stated to Natural Weed Herbicide Exempt Sodium Chloride 4.00% Caution spray each weed to N/A Non -Selective All Parks $99.99/ 5 GAL N/A SOMEWHAT Killer the point of wetness Peppermint Oil 4.5% Eco Might WOW Herbicide Exempt Potassium Sorbate 3.5% Caution 27.23 LBS N/A Non -Selective All Parks $2,59555/ GAL $$$$ HIGHLY Sodium Chloride 3.5% Entrust SC Insecticide 62719-621 Spinosad 22.5% N/A 14.38 .05-.10 OUNCES PER N/A Fire Ants All Parks $469.95/ QT $$$$$ N/A ANT HILL Lesco Crosscheck Fire Ants, Fleas, Athletic, Riverview 0.069 % Plus Insecticide & 70506-123- Bifenthrin % Caution 44.35 261.36 LBS 6.5 Ticks, Mole Park (Special $20.47/ 50 LBS $$ HIGHLY Fertilizer (0-0-7 Mini Fertilizer 10404 .069 Crickets, Sod Events), all Mini Fertilizer) Webworms Playgrounds Fire Ants, Fleas, Athletic, Riverview Lesco Crosscheck Ticks, Mole Park (Special Plus Insecticide 279-3206-10404 Bifenthrin 7.9% Caution 44.35 2.72 LBS 7.3 Crickets, Sod Events), all $59.70/ GAL $ HIGHLY Webworms, Playgrounds Tenmtes Mansion Herbicide 228-373 Metsulfuron Methyl 60% Caution 16.67 0.06 LBS 0.9 Broadleaf Weeds Athletic $37.77/ 2 OZ $ HIGHLY Orange Guard Insecticide 61887-1 d-Limonene 5.8% Caution 1 LB OR 4 LBS PER N/A Ants, Roaches, All Parks $29.95/ GAL $$$$ MINIMALLY ANT HILL Fleas Quinclorac 8.43% Sulfentrezone .69% Signal Grass and Q4 Plus Herbicide 2217-930 2,4-D 11.81% Caution 85.46 6.81 LBS 34 Torpedo Grass RESTRICTED* $301.44/ 2.5 GAL $$ MODERATELY Dicamba 1.49% Revolver Post Emergent Liquid Herbicide 432-1266 Fommsulfuron 2.34% Caution 15.33 1.63 LBS 0.6 Goose Grass Athletic $595.000/ 87 OZ $$$ HIGHLY Round Up Pro Herbicide 524-529 Glyphosate 50.2% Caution 15.33 3.2 LBS 24.6 Non -Selective RESTRICTED* $699.95/ 30 GAL $ HIGHLY Concentrate Speedzone 10.49%icam Broadleaf Weeds, Athletic & Southern Post Herbicide 2217-835 M 2% Caution 77.17 5 LBS 11.4 specifically Florida Surrounding $168.38/ 2.5 GAL $$ HIGHLY Emergent Liquid D2,4-D icarop-p ba .67'% Pusley Common Areas Cartentrazone .54"/0 TopChoice Insecticide 432-1217 Fipronil .0143 % Caution 88.25 87 LBS 1.1 Rre Ants, Fleas, Athletic $139/ 50 LBS $$$$ HIGHLY Ticks, Mole Crickets Tribune Herbicide 100-1390 Diquat 37.3% Caution 39.2 1.5 LBS 21.9 Non -Selective RESTRICTED* $240.04/ 2.5 GAL $ MODERATELY "RESTRICTED" USE EXPLANATION: MUST SUBMIT A RESTRICTED CHEMICAL WAIVER FORM INDICATING THAT ALL OTHER METHODS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED BEFORE PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT FOR THE SPECIFIED AREA. FORM MUST BE APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE IPM COORDINATOR AND CITY MANAGER. $ = less than $1.00 $$=$1.00to$1.99 $$$ _ $2.00 to $2.99 $$$$ _ $3.00 to $3.99 $$$$$ = More than $4.00 r� N i Cift CIF SERAS-T HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation Backqround: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM July 7th, 2020 VI. OLD BUSINESS Item B. Revised Non -Chemical Spreadsheet For Committee Member Discussion If Agenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Spreadsheet comparison of all current and recommended non -chemical pest control methods Integrated Pest Management Plan V. FURTHER NON -CHEMICAL RECOMMENDATIONS In addition to the cultural and mechanical pest control methods currently being implemented within the City's parks and properties, observations of the areas prompted the following recommendations for future consideration (Figure 4): • Updated Chemical Application Equipment. In order to adhere to the label requirements for pesticide application equipment must be carefully calibrated and maintained. Over time and with continual use, chemicals can erode parts of the equipment. Nozzles can deteriorate and triggers can become loose. This can result in a drastic, unintended increase in application rates. Updated motorized equipment cleans more efficiently, calibrates and hold calibration more accurately, and deteriorated parts can be easily replaced. • Warning Track. Replacing a wide strip of the turf that is closest to the back fence of the baseball/softball fields with rocks or other material will further decrease the amount of turf grass that needs to be maintained. Also of importance, the change in terrain serves as a "warning" for fielders trying to make a deep catch that they are running out of room, without having to take their eye off of the ball. For maintenance, it is simply dragged regularly, just like the baselines, to prevent turf grass or weed infiltration. • Concrete Platforms. Weeds are a continual problem underneath sports bleachers, park benches, and trash cans. These areas cannot be mowed and it is difficult or even impossible to use a weed eater around. Chemical control becomes the most feasible option. Installing a concrete platform under these features will pay off through the reduction of staff hours and chemical use, as well as increase the parks' aesthetics. • Trees. Trees enhance the shade and comfort for spectators, provide wildlife habitat, and shade groundcover, reducing water requirements. While no trees should be placed on or in proximity to athletic fields, still there are many spaces for the addition of trees within the general park areas. Trees will also enhance the safety of playgrounds as they shade the equipment from the Florida sun. The addition of trees will also enhance the aesthetic of the parks overall. • Extended Mulching. Currently, the mulched areas in these parks are minimal. Enlarging the mulched areas, by grouping trees into large landscaped islands will reduce the amount groundcover that needs maintained. • Habitat for Beneficials. Many Bermuda Turf pests have natural predators, which can be attracted to the athletic field by installing landscape beds of native flowering annuals and perennials along the edges of the general park areas. The addition of owl and bat boxes around the perimeter of these parks will help to control moles, voles, and other rodents. City of Sebastian Page 18 Integrated Pest Management Plan Figure 4: Table of Recommended Non -Chemical Control Methods BIOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, AND MECHANICAL CONTROLS Control Method IPM Control Pests Description How to Implement Strategy Treated Brazilian Red -eyed Fly J "Ormia depleta" Q V Insect Parasitic U3 Nematode "Steinernema Q Scapterisci' J ' O m Larra Wasp Parasitoid J Q oe J is Biological Mole Crickets Established locally in Central and Southern Florida Biological Mole Crickets Presumably established, no longer available for purchase Biological Mole Crickets Widely established in Florida Releases were done by OF/IFAS Nematode is no longer produced commercially since 2010. Introduce the wasps prefered plantings of shrubby false buttonweed, partridge pea, & white -flowered Pentas Many Insect and Dull mower blades cause uneven cutting Ensure that staff sharpens all mower blades on Always Mow with Sharp Cultural Weed Pests and weaken the grass blades allowing a consistent schedule and when necessary. Blades Affected distressed areas to be infiltrated by pests. The City has the tools and trained staff to accomplish this. Aerating is a BM P That will promote healthy Many Insect and turf, reduce soil compaction, encourage Staff is converting a tractor to be used on turf Ma Aerate Regularly Cultural Weed In Pests deeper rooting, increase water infiltration, and we have confirmed That we can rent reduce thatch buildup and assist with the aerating equipment. elimination of weeds. Ensure that City staff, athletic organizations, special event committees and rental groups take the time to clean all park areas in which Clean Food Areas After Following special events and athletic food and oil or grease have been placed. Events Cultural Insect Pests events in our City parks we are often left These items often attract pests and we will ask with lots of food, oily and greasy areas. that all these areas are throroughly cleaned following activities. City staff will also continue to pressure clean these areas on an as needed basis. Insect and Weed Florida native plantings will attract natural As the budget allows or in working with local Florida Native Plantings Cultural predators, reduce the need for irrigation, non-profit groups begin to introduce plantings Pests and reduce maintenance in some areas. of florida natives to our parks. Adding trees to general areas in active and Weed and Insect passive parks will enhance the shade and As the budget allows staff can identify parks Increase Tree Plantings Cultural comfort for park visitors, provide wildlife and areas to plant florida native trees to Pests habitat and shade groundcover, reducing promote shade and comfort. water requirements. Maintain efficient irrigation equipment and Conduct regular water audits to ensure Irrigate Uniformly and Cultural Insect and Weed schedule irrigation in correlation to weather systems are not leaking and the pressure Efficiently Pests conditions. alignment, and distribution is correct for the park. Maintaining updated chemical and fertilizer application equipment is necessary Staff will stay up-to-date on the equipment Maintain Updated to adhere to the label requirements for and ensure that equipment is replaced as Chemical and Fertilizer Cultural Insect and Weed applications to ensure equipment is necessary to ensure the correct calibrations Application Equipment Pests calibrated. Updated motorized equipment are applied per the label. Staff will also cleans more efficiently, calibrates and hold maintain servicing all parts necessary as calibration more accurately and recommended from the manufacturer. deteriorated parts can be easily replaced. City of Sebastian Page 19 Integrated Pest Management Plan u Control Method IPM Control Pests Description How to Implement Strategy Treated Mow at Correct Height Cultural Over Seeding Cultural Insect and Weed Mowing at the correct height will ensure Ensure that staff is mowing the varioius grasses Pests that we promote healthy grass and reduce at the correct heights dependent on the the build-up of thatch. seasons and conditions. Broadcasting rye grass seeds over turf will As budgeting allows staff plans to overseed Insect and Weed fill in open patches and prevent weed healthy bermuda turf during the dormant Pests infiltration, while enhancing the greenness months and also Riverview Park to help and aesthetics of the turf. prevent weed infiltration. Soil samples should be consistently done each This is a Best Management Practice to take year at the same time to identify any Take Soil Samples and Insect and Weed soil samples to ensure any fertilization deficiencies or excesses in the soil. The addition Fertilize Properly Cultural Pests provides necessary nutrients and we do not of micro -nutrients at the appropriate time of provide excess nutrients the year will enhance the root system and help promote healthy turf. Pests can easily spread among sites on Staff is to use a specific mower on Bermuda Insect and Weed unsanitized lawn equipment. Cleaning grass and the zero turn mowers on all other Tool Sanitation Cultural Pests mowers and equipment between areas grasses. As often as possible staff is to wash minimizes pest transport. and clean equipment, especially when leaving areas with pest problems. Bleachers, benches and trash cans create Develop Concrete or areas which are hard to mow and weed As the budget allows and in areas identified by Milling Platforms Mechanical W eeds eat. Installing a surface underneath these staff we can work to implement surfaces under items would reduce staff hours, chemical these items. use and increase the park aesthetics. Warning tracks serve a safety factor for baseball/softball participants. For the IPM Develop Warning Tracks Mechanical Weeds it serves a purpose to reduce the infiltration Develop plans and as the budget allows begin of weeds along fence lines and reduce the to implement warning tracks along fence lines. amount of turf grass that has to be maintained. The grooming of infield clay is not only a Infield Grooming Mechanical Weeds safety process but it also assist with Groom the baseball and softball infields on a preventing the infiltration of groundcover daily basis and as often as possible. and weeds. Manual Weed Where safe and applicable manual weed Areas deemed safe and applicable can have Eradication Mechanical W eeds eradication will involve staff manually manual weed eradication. pullinq weeds. To prevent weeds and promote water retainment. Mulch around trees and shrubs As budgeting allows staff should mulch around also helps eliminate damage from plants, shrubs, buildings and trees annually. Mulching Mechanical Weeds equipment. Enlarging mulching areas by Also look at areas to group trees into larger grouping trees into large landscape areas landscape areas. will also reduce the amount of groundcover that needs to be maintained. Sub -Committee and staff have began Steam or Hot Water Weeds and Fire Mechanical Steam and Hot Water Machines to assist research and will continue to explore this Machine Ants with weeds and fire ants. possibility and the costs associated with these methods. Thatch buildup can impede air and water Staff is converting a tractor to be used on turf Verticuffing Mechanical Insect and Weed infiltration Verticutting will also cultivate the and we have confirmed that we can rent Pests soil and permit the blades to stand up to equipment to verticut our athletic fields. groom the grass to be healthier. City of Sebastian Page 20 Integrated Pest Management Plan Appendix G: Monthly IPM Log City of Sebastian Page 41 Integrated Pest Management Plan Below is an example from the City of Davis, CA. If approved, a new form will be created specific to parks department procedures Integrated Pest Management Practices Date Location Comments I City of Sebastian Page 42