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Home My WebLink About2009-0519 Doucments Submitted at Meeting ~wJ1e4 51,&{ 101. ,# Page 1 ofl ~emuztd f1Jif.u ~ Maria Harris - Fwd: RE: Ch. 18.63 Water Resource Protection Zones From: To: Date: Subject: Maria Harris Maria Harris 5/19/20098:56 AM Fwd: RE: Ch. 18.63 Water Resource Protection Zones >>> "Chuck Fustish" <chuck.a.fustish@state.or.us> 5/18/2009 6:13 PM >>> Maria, Overall, ODFW is pleased with the latest version of the Ashland Wetland and Riparian Ordinance. ODFW would like to ask that the use of non-native species for riparian restoration be maintained at the lowest level possible to minimize the possibility of new exotics spreading via the streams. Twenty foot centers on riparian shade trees seems to be a lot, we recommend a higher density, say 8-10 foot centers. This would also provide the maximum amount of shade for the stream. You say you will maintain ground cover at 90% for 5 years, and 50% of shrubs for 5 years. At what level will the trees be maintained to ensure survival? This should be addressed. Sincerely, Chuck Fustish STEP Biologist " " file://C:'Pocuments and Settings\harrism\LocaI Settings\Temp\XPGrpWise\4AI27436Ash... 5/19/2009 \ Maria Harris - FW: Riparian Ordinance ~.u( 6(;,,/0, Page 1 of 1 I!4tr ~-tmf~~ee From: To: Date: Subject: "Mark Vargas" <mark.a.vargas@state.or.us> <maria@ashland.or.us> 5/18/20094:55 PM FW: Riparian Ordinance To Maria Harris, Thank you for giving ODFW the opportunity to review Ashland's proposed ordinances. In addition to providing habitat and improving water quality for important fish species, riparian vegetation is important to many wildlife species, especially migratory song birds. The majority of these species nest from approximately May 1 st through July 31 st. Mowing of blackberry could disrupt nesting, and result in the destruction of eggs and nestlings. ODFW recommends that mowing of blackberries take place outside of this, time frame, either before May 1st or after July 31st, to protect ground nesting birds. If you have any comments or questions about this recommendation, please contact our office. Sincerely, Steve Niemela Assistant District Wildlife Biologist Rogue Watershed District Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, steve a.niemelal1i>state.or.us Phone: (541 )826-8774 ex!. 239 FAX: (541)826-8776 ... file://C:\Documents and Settings\harrism\Local Settings\Temp\XPGrpWise\4AI192F5Ash... 5/19/2009 71u>>ftlI11tl ~ MfPf 6ftq101 - Wtt:/u ~ ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATIO'l<l COMMISSION - - ~ 340 SO. PIONEER STREET ASHLAND. OREGON 97520 COMMISSIONERS: TEL: (541) 488.5340 FAX: (541) 488-5314 RECEIVED MAY 19 1009 Don Robertson Director JoAnne Eggers Michel Gardiner Jim Lewis Melody Noraas Rich Rosenthal MEMORANDUM FROM Mayor and City Council ~ Mike Gardiner, Chair, Ashland Parks and Recreation comm~ TO DATE May] 8, 2009 SUBJECT Pesticide Use During the public hearing on April 21, 2009, regarding the proposed Water Resources Ordinance, there was considerable testimony regarding the use of pesticides in our city parks. Some of the testimony implied that because the Parks and Recreation Department is exempt from the 'city policy on pesticides that we do not follow any policy. That implication is not true. One of the questions posed by council was, "What would be the cost of elimination of pesticides?" This question has a complicated answer. The answer will depend heavily on the availability and use of volunteers, our ability to phase in a solution, and a change in our community's expected maintenance standarcls.'" Our desire is to develop a comprehensive and forward-looking answer to this question. Our process for addressing and completing this issue will take a bit of time. The commission adopted its own pesticide policy during the early to mid ,] 980s and has updated it several times priorto' the city' s adoption of its own pesticide policy in 1996. The city's policy was based on Parks Department policy and'practices. I am attaching a " copy of our current policy. . As in previous years, the commission adopts a set of goals for the upcoming fiscal year as a part of its budget process. One of this year's goals is to develop a plan for non-native vegetation removal. The majority of our pesticide use is related to removal of vegetation and therefore the commission has included a review of its pesticide use policies as a part of this goal. We have established a meeting schedule for the upcoming year and will discuss non- native vegetation removal and pesticide use at our August] 7, 2009 study session. Before the council makes any' determination on the commission's behalf to regulate its use of pesticides, I would urge the council to allow us to first review our policy and make changes to it that we think are prudent. We will report these results back to the council. If our report does not meet the council's expectations, then I would suggest a common study session to further discuss this issue. Thank you for your consideration. Home of Famous lithi. Park City of Ashland PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Parks Division Policv On the use of PESTICIDES I. Department policy is to minimize the use of pesticides including but not limited to herbicides, insecticides, and growth retardants. a. Only the safest, lowest toxicity products available will be used. No "restricted use" pesticides will be used. b. Cultural methods will be relied upon to encourage high quality turf; no large scale broadcast applications of "weed killers" on lawns. c. Primary species, which do not require high inputs of pesticide, will be used in landscaping. d. Staff will monitor pest populations and rely on biological control when appropriate and effective. e. No spraying within 15 feet of a playground facility. II. Department policy is to retain on staff a minimum of one employee trained and licensed as an Oregon Certified Pesticide Applicator. No pesticides will be used without a Certified Applicator on staff. III. As designated by the department Director, the Certified Applicator is responsible for overseeing and authorizing all pesticide use by Parks Division staff. a. No employee will use or apply any pesticide without prior training. b. No employee will use or apply any pesticide mechanically or by hand without event sDecific authorization. c. An annual review of policies and procedures regarding the use and applications of pesticides will be presented to staff. Attendance at the review is mandatory for all Parks Division staff. IV. The Park Superintendent and Certified Applicator are the only two staff persons authorized to purchase pesticides. V. All pesticides will be stored in a safe, secure environment. The Park Superintendent and Certified Applicator will have exclusive access to the area. VI. If pesticides having a greater acute toxicity than table salt (LD 50 = 2,500) are applied, the area of application will be posted for the duration of the re-entry time specified on the pesticide label or MSDS. sheet. VII. Violation of any of these policies by Parks Division staff will be grounds for disciplinary action. Updated 10/30/08 , " . City of Ashland PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Notice Personal protective equipment to be used when mixing and applying approved pesticides include: 1. Long-sleeved shirt 2. Long pants 3. Shoes with socks 4. Eye protection 5. Chemical-resistant gloves (no cloth or partial-cloth gloves) Additional (Guidelines and policies for pesticide use within the Ashland Parks and Recreation system are found under this page.)