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HomeMy WebLinkAbout103-92 RESOLUTION• • • • • • • • • • • • • • RESOLUTION NO. 103-92 • • A RESOLUTION AMENDING VEGETATION MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND ADOPTING A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE. • BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: $action 1. That the Board of Directors hereby approves the policies and procedures as amended and plan for vegetation management for the City of Fayetteville. A copy of the policy and procedures and plan authorized for execution hereby is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. PASSED AND APPROVED this 7th day of July , 1992. ATTEST: By APPROVED: By: • • Mayor • • 4 • CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES VM -1.0 PURPOSE_• The purpose of this policy is to provide policy guidelines and procedures to City operations involved in managing vegetation. VM -1.1 DEFINITIONS: The following words and phrases when used herein shall have the meanings respectively ascnbed to them in this section. Herbicides Chemicals registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the control of weeds in public urban settings. They include a wide variety of different chemical classes with different modes of action. a. Approved FIerbicidey Herbicides or formulations of herbicides to toxicity categories III and IV of EPA moderate to low toxicities of Oral LD50 of 500 to 5000 or greater, excluding 2-4.D. Such definition shall apply to demonstration projects, and the City's use of herbicides. jptegrated Vegetation Management (IVM) As a rational approach to vegetation management, IVM advocates a vanety of control methods — natural, cultural and herbicides. IVM methodology stresses the use of naturally occurring controls and cultural practices in combination with application of herbicide materials only when infestation Ievels reach "Thresholds" by correlating inspection data (e.g., % of area in weeds) with visitor complaints and/or failure incidents. It is a decision making process that determines how to manage plant communities on a site specific basis over the long -tern, treating only problem areas. Vegetation Beguiling Management 1. Vegetation which obstructs motorists, bicyclists or pedestrian view of traffic, traffic signs and signals, street lights and name signs, or other safety fixtures or markings placed in the public way. 2. Vegetation which is a hazard to the public or to persons or property on or near the property where the vegetation is located. 3. Vegetation which is an obstruction of drainage facilities in the public way, including but not limited to roadside ditches, street curbs and gutters, catch basins and culverts. i • • • • • 4. Vegetation where roots have entered a sewer, lateral sewer or house connection and are stopping, restricting or retarding the flow of sewage therein. 5. Poison Ivy and Poison Oak in locations frequently traveled and visited by people. VM -1.2 POLICY: The primary goal of this policy is to ensure that vegetation control methods such as biological and mechanical means are given full consideration and use in lieu of herbicides to ensure herbicide use is minimized. 1. The City strictly limits the use of herbicides to situations: (a) where vegetation control is necessary to protect health and safety; and (b) where other means of vegetation control are not available or where other means of vegetation control are prohibitively expensive, as determined by the City Board of Directors. 2. Any herbicide use will be part of a long term Integrative Vegetation Management Plan. VM -1.3 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES: A. Permitted herbicides. If herbicide use is deemed necessary under the provisions of this policy, herbicides in Category III or IV shall be used for vegetation control. Relative toxicity shall be based on the information relied upon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in registering the herbicide, including data incorporated into the herbicide's label. Provided that the City shall not use any herbicide suspended by the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. B. Public Notification. In an effort to allow individuals, including chemically sensitive individuals, to further reduce their exposure to low levels of chemical residues resulting from chemical applications to public rights-of-way, the City will post notices. This would serve to further demonstrate the City's commitment to a cooperative relationship with its many neighbors, but would allow for the judicious use of chemical tools where necessary. Notification for use of herbicides, with the exception of those by private parties on private property, shall be through news media, posting of notices at public 11 • • i A 4 1 • • • places, and posting the spray areas as reasonable and appropriate. The City shall post notice of herbicide use conspicuously in the area where the herbicide has been applied, and leave notices up three (3) days after application. Notification shall be made in a reasonable time period pnor to and subsequent to the actual application of herbicides, and shall include the date of application, and the name of the herbicide (including the herbicide's trade and common name). The possibility of different colored signs or other approaches used to assure appropriate level of notification when feasible will be considered. The City should honor those requests by any citizens who wish to submit a written statement informing the City not to spray rights-of-way adjoining their property. By doing so those citizens shall take responsibility for such property adjacent to their property. C. Training. City personnel who apply herbicides shall be fully trained and licensed by the Arkansas State Plant Board. Any firm contracted to apply herbicides and their applicators must likewise be fully licensed by the State to apply herbicides The City should consult experts who are experienced in IVM methodology to obtain the necessary training in IVM principles and methods. Maintenance personnel involved in weed control activities shall obtain annual refresher training in IVM principles and methods. Application procedures. All applications must be done in strict compliance with the label directions. Applications will be made or. days with the wind of less than 8 mph to minimize dnft of material, and on days when rainfall is not likely to occur to prevent runoff of herbicides. Application methods used must assure precision of the application to the target area only and kept on target. No intentional or indirect/unintentional application shall be made to drainage ways immediately adjacent to lakes or running waterways. E. Sensitive Areas. For purposes of this policy, sensitive areas are those lands which support unique, fragile or valuable elements of the natural environment; contain valuable cultural resources within the City of Fayetteville; or where there is the potential for direct human exposure. These can include: unprotected aquifers, wetlands, special plants, and special plant communities 1. Herbicides shall not be used in the following areas, unless the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee deems the application of herbicides in these areas to be necessary. The Advisory Committee's recommendations will be presented to the City Manager for approval by the City Board of Directors. D. (a) KA bodies of water, including natural stream courses. iii • •4 • • • • • (b) Locations in the vicinity of playground equipment. sandboxes, picnic tables and other similar facilities where people eat or play. (c) Any area containing a plant or animal species designated as rare, threatened, or endangered under the Arkansas Natural Heritage Inventory or the federal Endangered Species Act. (d) Any wetland or bog. 2. Athletic fields are considered to be sensitive areas. Therefore, alternative methods of turf maintenance shall be given priority for these fields and shall be employed as soon as workable non -chemical methods become feasible. The Vegetation Management Advisory Committee shall make recommendations concerning the feasibility of alternative methods to the City Manager. Immediately following their recommendations, the City Manager will submit the findings to the City Board of Directors for a final decision. F. Application Equipment. All equipment to be used in the application of herbicides shall be equipment manufactured for that specific task. Because nozzle calibration is critical for the safe and efficient application of herbicides, nozzles on all equipment will be calibrated on a yearly basis at a minimum. Protective clothing and other protective devices, as recommended by the manufacturer on the label, will be provided to the applicator. All equipment and herbicides used in the City wi:l be stored in compliance with all applicable laws in a safe and secure location. All empty herbicide containers and rinse water used to clean equipment shall be disposed of in accordance with label directions. G. Record Keeping. All records shall be kept on all herbicide applications and notification of applications for a minimum of 10 years 1. For the purpose of vegetation control, the following information will be recorded for each application. (a) Date and time of use (b) Specific location where applied (c) Purpose of application (target species) (d) Matenal, amount and concentration used (e) Method and rate of application (f) Temperature, wind speed and direction, weather conditions (g) Applicator's name and applicator license number (10 Apparatus license plate number or equipment number iv • • • 2. Any complaints or concerns lodged in regards to vegetation control will be followed up an within 48 to 72 hours, and records of such complaints along with the findings and follow-up actions will also be kept on file. VM -1.4 ANNEAL ]REVIEW: During February of each year, the City Manager shall submit to the City Board of Directors for its review and approval, a City vegetation management plan. At a minimum, the "plan" shall include the following: (a) a description of areas where the City intends to manage vegetation and a discussion of the necessity of managing vegetation at these locations; (b) an analysis of the costs and benefits of alternative methods of vegetation management; (c) specific locations in the City where the City staff recommends herbicide use and the specific herbicides recommended for use; and (d) information on the toxicity of herbicides intended for use and on the toxicity of alternative herbicides. The Vegetation Management Advisory Committee shall review the plan prior to submittal of the plan to the City Board of Directors. This review shall include an evaluation of the safety in terms of public health and the environment for any herbicide used. Findings from the review relative to which herbicides may be permitted and any recommendations relative to vegetation control practices will be submitted to the City Manager and the City Board of Directors for consideration. In preparing the Vegetation Management Plan, the City and the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee should request the assistance and cooperation of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Unit at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, the Arkansas Natural Hentage Commission, and other state and local groups, and individuals with expertise in ecosystem management or public health issues. VM -1.5 DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS: The City Manager and/or the City Board of Directors should fund demonstration projects to assess various types of vegetation management schemes, emphasizing alternatives to herbicide use. These projects shall be subject to the city's Professional Selection Process. Proposed projects shall be reviewed to determine that protocols for comparisons and controls are provided to give the City a basis v I for determining which vegetation management methods are best suited for the NW Arkansas region. The focus of any research should be an effort to reduce herbicide use. VM -I.6 VOLUNTEERS: The City shall cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations to promote "area adoption" programs in which selected areas of the city are maintained and enriched by volunteer groups. VM -1.7 PRIVATE PROPERTYS}Wl1"ER RLSPONSIBILITIES• According to City Code § 98.07, private property owners have certain responsibilities regarding vegetation. (a) No person shall permit any tree, shrub, hedge, flower or other form of vegetation to grow within 25 feet of the intersection of the curb lines of two intersecting streets to a height in excess of three feet above the lowest grade of two intersecting streets; provided, however, that trees now growing in such places may grow above said height if the limbs are trimmed to the minimum height of eight feet. (Ord. 1447, passed 6-7 65) 1. penalty Any person who violates this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not more than 5500. (b) The owner (or in the case of leased property, the lessee) of private property abutting public street or alley nght-of-way shall keep that portion of said right-of-- way from the center line thereof to the private property tine free from grass, weeds, debns and other growths, articles, and things. (Ord. 2076, passed 1-7-75) 1. Penalty Any person who violates this section shall, upon conviction therof, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not to exceed 525 together with costs. VM -1.8 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: In order to assist in implementing this policy, particularly in relationship to vegetation management, a Vegetation Management Advisory Committee is hereby established. 1. Membership. The Vegetation Management Advisory Committee shall be created by and adopted by a majority vote of the elected City Board of Direc:ors. The Board may eliminate or modify the Vegetation vi Management Advisory Committee creation when the majonty of the City Board of Directors shall deem it to be in the best interest of the City of Fayetteville to do so. The committee shall be composed of seven (7) persons appointed by the Fayetteville City Board of Directors. (a) The Committee shall include 1 person with expertise in the use of herbicides, 1 person with expertise in integrated vegetation management methods, 1 person with expertise in public health or toxicology, 1 person with expertise in wildlife ecology, and 3 persons from the community at large. (b) If there are not any citizen(s) who meet the qualifications as identified in section VM -1.7 1(a), then the City Board may waive the requirement and appoint person(s) accordingly. 2. Appointment. Vegetation Management Advisory Committee members shall be appointed by the City Board of Directors in accordance with the following: (a) Vegetation Management Advisory Committee members shall be appointed by the City Board of Directors using the nominating procedure for all City Board Committee appointments. They shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the elected members of the City Board of Directors. (b) Vegetation Management Advisory Committee members first appointed and confirmed shall serve for terms of two (2), and three (3) years. Positions 1-4 shall serve for terms of three (3) years each, and at -large positions 5-7 shall serve for terms of two years each. (c) Upon the expiration of their respective terms. their successors shall be appoirted by the Mayor subject to the approval of city Board of Directors for a term of three (3) years each. (d) Individuals leaving office before their term of office has expired would be replaced by an individual who will serve out the unexpired portion of that term. 3. Removal. Any Vegetation Management Advisory Committee member appointed by the City Board of Directors may be removed at any time by a majority of the elected members of the City Board of Directors. The City Manager may also remove from office any member upon approval by the Board of Directors (Section 14-47-101 et seq ) vii • • • 4. Officers. At the first meeting following the appointment of members, the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee shall elect from among its membership a chairperson, vice -chairperson, and secretary. The officers shall serve one-year terms. No member shall serve more than two consecutive one-year terms as chairperson without interruption of at least a one year period. (a) The chairperson is the principal officer and will preside at all meetings and shall rule on all matters of procedure regarding the order of business, motion, voting, etc. (b) The vice -chairperson will serve in the same capacity as the chairman m the event the chairperson is absent or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act. (c) The secretary shall keep the official minutes of the Committee meetings in one or more books. 5. Meetings. The Committee shall meet on a quarterly basis or as deemed necessary as determined by the Chairperson for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the City Manager on the following: (a) Any proposals/requirements to update the vegetation management policy. (b) The City's Vegetation Management Plan. (c) Other assignments made by the Fayetteville City Board of Directors, or City Manager 6. City Staff lama. The City Manager shall provide staff support to the committee with assistance from pertinent departments. 7. Reports. The Vegetation Management Advisory Committee shall prepare and render to the City Manager the minutes of each meeting, and any recommendations made by the Committee. viii • VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN • 1 Introduction. The purpose of this report is to identify vegetation management methods for use by the City of Fayetteville, and designated agents of the City. This report focuses primanly on a method of vegetation management known as integrated vegetation management (IVM), and includes the following: 1) a description of areas where the City intends to manage vegetation and a discussion of the necessity of managing vegetation at these locations; 2) an analysis of the costs and benefits of alternative methods of vegetation management; 3) specific locations in the City where the City staff recommends herbicide use and the specific herbicides recommended for use; and 4) information on the toxicity of herbicides intended for use and on the toxicity of alternative herbicides. The City of Fayetteville manages vegetation throughout the City, including but not Iimited to, park land and street nghts-of-way. Specifically, the City manages 240 lane miles of right-of- way, 199 acres of park land, 35 acres of athletic turf, 17,900 linear feet of fence line in Parks, 101,485 feet of ditch area on airport grounds, 17,825 linear feet of fence line on airport grounds, 334 runway/taxiway lights and signs on airport grounds, as well as 260 acres on airport grounds. While managing these areas, the City must not only be concerned with cost, but also maintenance as well as the environment. For these reasons, the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee recommends an integrated vegetation management plan. The plan identifies various alternative methods ranging from mulching to concrete underlayment of fence rows. Specifically, the plan identifies methods for managing athletic fields, fence rows, fire hydrants, poison ivy, road sides, and other grassy areas at cost of approximately $105,000 (includes "one time" capital purchases of $31,500). Description Operational Costs Capital Costs I Turf Maintenance Roller $ 1,600.00 $ 3,500.00 Reel Mower $ 6,800.00 $15,000.00 Top Dresser S 2,750.00 $ 6,000.00 Crack Cutter $ 3,200.00 $ 7,000.00 Sprigging Program $ 12,500.00 Fertilizing Progam $ 4,100.00 Water Sprigs $ 2,200.00 Additional Labor $ 11,400.00 Fence Row Demonstrations $ 7,000.00 Public Notification $ 5,000.00 IVM Training $ 10,000.00 1 Mulch & Mise. Supplies $ 7.000.00 #otai ;,,, 73; 5,((1:( • q;• , r. .. „ „. • 2 • • • Vegetation Management Concerns. The City is responsible for meeting certain safety concerns as they relate to City facilities in the context of vegetation management. They include roadway safety, fire safety, hazard trees, the safety aspects of chemical applications, employee safety, and citizen safety. Generally, vegetation should be removed to the extent necessary to alleviate a safety problem as soon as possible by the most appropnate means. In addition to safety concerns, maintenance of public rights-of-way influences, or is influenced by, vegetation management operations, particularly as related to drainage, mechanical damage to pavement by vegetation, the effect of fixtures on vegetation management operations, erosion control, and equipment needs. Furthermore, the City should be concerned with aesthetics. Weeds growing up along fence rows, in sidewalk cracks, and in flower beds, becomes an "eye sore" if not maintained. The city is responsible for addressing legitimate citizen concerns with respect to vegetation management issues, and is committed to a program that is environmentally sensitive. On March 5, 1991, the City of Fayetteville Board of Directors adopted Vegetation Management Policies and Procedures to address citizen concerns. The primary goal of the policy follows: "to ensure that vegetation control methods such as biological and mechanical means are given full consideration and use in lieu of herbicides to ensure herbicide use is mimmized.' With this goal in mind, the adoption of an IVM approach will enable the City to effectively manage vegetation. A monitoring and record-keeping program will be established to determine exactly when and where weed control activities are required and how effective they are when carried out. How does the IVM approach work? AQQtt ach Vegetation Management Process. As a rational approach to vegetation management, IVM advocates a variety of control methods -- natural, cultural and herbicides. IVM methodology stresses the use of naturally occurring controls and cultural practices in combination with application of herbicide materials only when infestation levels reach established "Thresholds". Such an approach is a tong -term, ecologically -based systems approach to controlling undesirable vegetation. It is a decision making process that determines how to manage plant communities on a site specific basis over the long-term, treating only problem areas. To ensure the success of integrated vegetation management, the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee recommends the City utilize the "build -down" approach to implementation. According to Tim Rhay', utilizing the "build -down" approach develops and implements IVM methodology gradually, within and parallel to existing operational frameworks and methods. When successful methods are identified, techniques proving unworkable will be modified or abandoned with minimal financial/operational impact at a small-scale, experimental stage. Old methods will be replaced as workable IVM "alternative' techniques are put in place, but retained where necessary until the alternatives can be developed. In other words, since many management strategies are site specific, efficacy should be verified by small-scale testing under `Tim Rhay, "Weed and Pest Management in City of Eugene Parks", May 4, 1989. • • • 4 • 3 the City's operational conditions pnor to use City-wide and/or abandonment of other effective controls. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the use of herbicides A successful program must include the involvement of maintenance staff in development and implementation. Maintenance personnel should be given the task of monitoring sites to determine when/if threshold levels are reached. If threshold levels have been reached, maintenance personnel should determine which methods to be used to bring the infestation below the thresholds. The City should consult experts who are experienced in IVM methodology to train maintenance personnel in IVM principles and methods. In addition, success depends on the proper design and construction of public facilities. Concrete underlayment of fence lines, adequate hard surfacing of parking lots, proper soil preparation, optimum design for imgation and other infrastructure elements facilitates cost-effective long term maintenance. Ideally, integrated vegetation management controls vegetation using multiple strategies; aids decision making; reduces risk; produces reliable information; saves money; and, adapts to any site or situation. When weed control is necessary, the following integrated vegetation management (IVM) guidelines should be followed: 1. No action is taken until/unless a problem is observed and verified. 2. The problem must exceed the acceptable level of damage (A.L D.) 3. Alternative methods of control will be evaluated 4. The effective method(s) with the least "non -target" impact will be utilized. 5. Time control action for maximum effectiveness and safety. 6. Follow-up and monitor results; keep accurate records. 7. Evaluate and modify the program as necessary. 1. Monitoring is the first step of Integrated Vegetation Management. 1t involves surveying the problem situation in order to understand the extent of the problem. This step is basic inventory. This, in turn. provides the information necessary to evaluate possible solutions and their respective costs. No action is taken until/unless a problem is observed and verified. 2. &44D Thresholdg for a specific problem species on a specific site: The step involves consideration of tolerance levels, using the information gathered from monitoring and any subsequent observations for support. The action threshold is the point when weed populations or environmental conditions indicate that some action must be taken. Important questions to ask in any case are: what level of occupancy of the specific plant species is tolerable? In other words, how much of the plant can you have present before a problem is posed? What this indicates is a plant species may pose a problem on one site, but may not be a problem an another site. Whether it is a problem would depend on the level of occupancy and the ability of the surrounding environment to keep it in check. 3. Alternative ]Methods As soon as a problem is observed and verified and an action thresho:d established, alternative (non -chemical) methods should be utilized in small scale pilot demonstration projects in an effort to determine the workability of each alternative technique. Altemative (non -chemical) control techniques may include competitive desirable vegetation. • 4 • • mulches, the manipulation of environmental factors such as imgation, soil fertility, manual and mechanical cultivation, water blasting, and soap solutions. 4. Effective Methods With Lag "Non -Target" Impact This implies selecting the action that most effectively addresses the cause of the weed occupancy. Where workable control options are not effective or do not provide sufficient control, chemical methods could be employed. The scope of any such application is limited to the observed, verified problem m question and the appropnate acceptable level of damage (A L D ) for the area and weed involved. The result is minimum usage of chemical agents and the employment of those with the least potential for non - target impact in each specific case. The method that eliminates the need for continuing or repeated treatments is usually the preferred option. Selection of tools or methods involves the following possibilities when feasible: (a) Emotion This involves identification of cultural practices that may contribute to the problem. (b) Enhancement of Environment Often an element or elements in the environment, if encouraged, may aid in controlling a problem species. (c) Mechanical, Cultural, DjQIQidca1 And Chemical The methods and options in these categories are vaned and numerous. The important question to ask is whether a method will improve the site conditions over the long-term and which are treadmills that only temporarily knock back the problem. 5. liming of Methods Current research in vegetation management is now finding "windows of vulnerability" for vegetation control. This involves understanding the life cycle of a plant to determine its weakest link. For example, research has shown that manual curring of alder during June or July when the tree is 6 to 10 years old reduces resprouting by 96 percent. 6. Monitoring and Record Keening This involves regular inspections of the areas where weed problems might occur, and keeping records of what is observed. Keep records of what is seen, decisions made, actions taken, and results. 7. E aluatien j Modify This involves monitoring the effects of the actions taken. If the A.L.D. is not being maintained then changes in the actions may be appropriate At this step in the process, updating the monitoring program is necessary to trace successes and failure in order to evaluate any future methods of control that may be needed. (S.tart) Monitor Tolerable9 The IVM Process Set Action Level Treatment Effective') • • • • • IVM FOR TURFGRASS 5 Many of the City's playing fields are in poor condition as a result of overuse. On Lake Fayetteville softball fields, four games are played each night four nights per week, and during the weekends on many occasions. Ideally, the City should develop additional playing fields to effectively reduce the problems resulting from overuse. If the desired result is to effectively keep the grass healthy and strong, the City should follow the process outlined in Figure 1 to minimize weed problems in turf. The cost of implementing a "Turf Maintenance Program" is approximately $41,000 plus an additional 531,000 for capital purchases. The Vegetation Management Advisory Committee recommends this program, but would suggest that it be monitored to determine if a threshold of 30% infestation can be maintained. The Committee recommends that both Wilson Park and Gulley Park be established as "herbicide free" parks, and that the City also establish one (1) soccer field as a "herbicide free" field. If herbicide application is required to maintain a healthy and strong turf less than 30% weed infestation level, Trimec Encore (no 2,4-D), MSMA, Sencor, Ronstar, Accord. and other herbicides should be considered. Keep in mind that the historical IVM model suggests that if weed populations cannot be kept below specific thresholds, the City should select controls that will have the least impact on the non -target environment These may or may not be herbicides - - each situation is different and should be evaluated on its own merit. The historical IVM model does not suggest that the City should attempt all other methods of control before resorting to herbicide use. It also does not advocate calendar-dnven cover spray applications. Referring to Table 1. the total annual cost to maintain healthy and strong turf as outlined in the process previously described is $61,115.00 plus approximately $11,000 for equipment maintenance costs. This integrated program is the standard treatment for turfgrass which includes fertilizing. If necessary to maintain 30% infestation levels, weed control treatments using herbicides may be required. Staff will monitor the standard program identified to determine if 30% weed infestation levels are maintained. If the infestation levels are maintained at 30%, herbicide treatment may not be necessary for future maintenance Table 1. Turf Maintenance Program $12,483.00 Spngging Program Fertilizing Program $ 4,040.00 Water Spngs S 2,200.00 Additional Labor $11,342.00 Equipment xyil)i siiii .ra•. $31,000.00 xf }} •i JS _ f i ' ,ti; , § 1• KG JJ 6 Figure I • • To minimize weed problem in turf • • Sprig and sod to m -establish common -type or possibly Tifway bermudagrass. • Purchase a slit seeder to overseed with cool -season turf grasses. Overseed in September with perennial Rye gram and/or tall fescue cultivars. • Fertilize regularly 3-4 times (5-7 lbs 14/1000 sq. ft. per year, and other nutrients) lime to proper pH of 6- 7. • Water regularly; install sprinklers if possible. *Core 5 to 6 times per season. Core before fertilizer. compost and sand applications • Top dress with compost and/or sand. *Proper mowing height and frequency (2 inch athletic fields or 3 inch parks so leas than 309E height is removed per mowing) mow once per week or more; preferably wttb reel mower on athletic fields. 4 Conduct regular inspections of turf areas for actively growing weeds, or areas of failing turf or disturbed sal which could support weed growth. i Establish an action level of weed infestation (above which herbicide treatment is necessary). by correlating inspection data (e.g. % of area in weeds) with visitor complaints and/or turf failure incidents. The initial Action level is set at 309E infestation. Continue regular inspections Are weeds present in torp! 1 Repair by spngging, soddmg. or seeding areas lacking bermudagrass. Yes --pare weeds at or above action level? Yes Remove weeds mechanically, or weaken by mowing a rN'o — -Is problem still pmt) Spot or broadcast -treat affected areas with an approved, 1 registered herbicide Ij • • The following is a comprehensive detail of turf maintenance program cost: Cast to Sprig Athletic Fields Softball Fields: 4.6 acres (20% of 23 acres) 810 Man Hours X $5.25/hr plus tax: $ 4,556 Sprigs: 600 Equipment charges (Tractor w/roller) 40 Total Cost: $ 5,196 Soccer Fields: 5 acres (40% of 12 acres) 1,100 Man Hours X 5.25/hr plus tax: $ 6,597 Sprigs: 650 Equipment charges (Tractor w/roller) 40 Total Costs: $ 7,287 Sprigging Program Total Cost: $12.483 Cast to Fertilize Athletic Fields 4 times/year Softball Fields 12-1/2 Tons Nitrogen @ S160/ton $ 2,000 Soccer Fields 12-3/4 Tons Nitrogen @ $160/ton: $ 2,040 7 Fertilizing Program Total Cost: Note: other fertilizers and nutnents will be needed, also. Cost to Water Sprigs Softball Fields: Additional $ 1,200 for water Soccer Fields: Additional $1,000 for water Additional Cost to Water Sprigs: $ L200 Additional Labor for Turf Program Two summer workers to mow the ball field turfs; fertilize and aerate 4 times per year; and to water the sprigs. Two summer workers: $5,040 Salary/worker $10,080 388 Social Security Tax 776 268 Workmans Comp. 536 Total Cost of Additional Labor: SI 1.392 • 8 Equipment Needs 7 foot Roller. Reel Mower Top Dresser Landscape Slit Seeder. • $ 3,500 S12.000 - $15,000 $ 6,000 $ 6,500 Total Cost for Equipment: $31.000 IVM FOR FENCE ROWS, SIGN POSTS & FIRE HYDRANTS The City maintains 17,900 linear feet of chainlmk fence in the Parks (refer to Table 2), 5,000 traffic signs, and 1,090 fire hydrants. There are various methods available to manage vegetation along fence rows, and around traffic signs and fire hydrants. Mowing, alternative vegetation, herbicide treatments, mulching, and concrete underlaying are methods currently available. Alternate low growing species such as crown vetch, white clover, buffalograss and zoysia grass planted along fence rows and around traffic signs and fire hydrants is one possible solution to vegetation problems. Other possible solutions include underlaying fence rows, picnic tables and benches with concrete. Of course, herbicide methods for controlling vegetation are available In an era of decreasing federal and state funding, and increasing demands placed on local government services, it has been difficult for local government here in Fayetteville to maintain services at current levels. Realizing that money is a scarce resource and the fact that local government must be environmentally conscious, the Vegetation Management Advisory Committee recommends a long-term plan to reduce maintenance cost utilizing an IVM approach (Referred to as "Integrated Vegetation" in this section). Each of the maintenance areas and methods identified to control vegetation are described below. Table 2. Park Fence Row Description Linear Feet Lake Ball fields 3.000 Asbell Ball fields 1,700 Wilson Ball fields 700 Walker Ball fields 4,300 Baberuth Ball fields 2,800 American Legion Ball fields 1,500 Wilson Tennis Courts 800 Walker Park 600 Walker Park exterior 1,500 Lake Fayetteville North 500 Boat Docks X44 Total 17 900 • • Maintenance of Fence Rows. • • 9 Maintenance of ball field fence in Babe Ruth Ballpark, Walker Park (15th Street), lake Fayetteville Softball Complex, and Wilson Park, as well as other fence areas is required in order to maintain acceptable aesthetic standards and to reduce damage to fence rows as a result of vegetation. In 1991, the cost to edge and trim chainlink fence located in the Parks was $13,427.73. If this method of maintaining fence rows continues, the cost to the City over a period of five (5) years is estimated at $81,802 (includes inflation rate of 5% per year). Methods of controlling vegetation along fence rows include concrete underlaying, edging and tramming, alternative vegetation, and herbicides. Referring to Table 3, the cost to implement each of the methods identified range from $4,288 to S82,305. As previously mentioned, a successful IVM program should work to accomplish the goals of public safety, environmental responsibility, acceptable aesthetic standards and cost-effective operations concurrently. Table 3. Maintenance of Fence Rows Year 1993 Concrete Underlay $ 75,180 Edging & Trimming $ 14,804 Alternative Vegetation $ 31,902 Herbicide Applications $ 776 Integrated Vegetation $ 23,706 1994 $ 1,000 $ 15,544 $ 7,772 $ 815 $ 10,884 1995 $ 1.525 $ 16,321 $ 8,161 $ 856 S 11,428 1996 S 2,000 S 17,138 $ 8,569 $ 898 $ 12,000 1997 $ 2,600 $ 17,995 S 8,998 $ 943 $ 12,600 _ �e _.. r£.)1= -.' s ,.f• ii i 3, t i t. 3..- :".rt# fi• _ , .%,:?�l ,, �, cf t . .. ,, =, 7 , 1 Concrete Underlay One method to reduce and possibly eliminate edging and trimming along fence rows is to construct a 4" deep by 1W' wide strip of concrete underneath fence rows located in Parks. Under ideal conditions, it has bcen estimated that in-house personnel could construct 17,900 linear feet of such construction at $4 per foot (based on estimates made on a 500 linear foot demonstration project -- Material cost: 9 -10 yds of concrete @ $400, Labor and equipment cost for digging trench: 2 days @ $350, Labor and equipment cost for removing and replacing fencing, and laying concrete: 2 days @ $1,250). Total cost for this project is estimated at $82,305 over a period of five (5) years In order to realize "real" savings under this plan, the City would have to reduce its workforce at a level equivalent to the labor and equipment cost identified for edging and trimming ($81,802), which would assume this pian to be workable. Rather than reducing the workforce, personnel currently utilized for edging and trimming could be transferred to the "Turf Maintenance Program" which has bcen previously identified to cost an additional 311,392 for the first year, or 562,949 for a period of five (5) years (includes inflation rate of 5% per year) • 10 Edging & Trimming • In 1991, the Parks and Recreation Division spent $13,427.73 (labor cost @ $12,078.21 and equipment cost ® $1,349.52) for edging and trimming 17,900 linear feet of fence row. Assuming an inflation rate of 5% annually, total cost to edge and trim 17,900 linear feet of fence row over a five (5) year period is estimated at S81,802. If everything remains the same, the City will not realize any additional cost if edging and trimming continued at present levels. However, if the City implements the "Turf Maintenance Program" as previously discussed, labor cost would increase $62,949 over a period of five (5) years. Alternative Vegetation In a report titled, "Vegetation Control Recommendations Along Fence Rows in Fayetteville City Parks", prepared by Dr. Ronald Talbert and Mr. David Ruff, it was suggested that "alternative vegetation would be appropriate around fences in less maintained areas using* a low maintenance grass such as weeping lovegrass, little bluestem, buffalograss; or wildflowers (including crownvetch.)" It is believed that this management approach would reduce maintenance cost and improve aesthetics in areas of the park. The management approach is outlined as follows: "Initial establishment of the alternative vegetation will require the use of herbicides in order to prevent damage to the fence and soil erosion. The herbicide used would be Accord at the a rate of 1 quart per acre. The seed should be sown and raked into the soil or sown using a small slit seeder such as those used in reseeding lawns (estimated cost of $6,500). Fertilizer should be applied after plant germination the first year to enhance plant growth and establishment. During the first and possibly the second growing season, Poast (sethoxydim 1 quart per acre 0.38 lb. ai) may be used on wildflowers to remove any unwanted grasses A yearly mowing after the growing season is needed to reduce dead vegetation and help control woody plants." The cost of establishing alternative vegetation along fence rows (using a four foot band on each side of the fence) is estimated to be: Initial vegetation removal (Accord - Surfactant) Accord (1 qt./ac. * 0.02 ac. = 0 18 qt.) (0.02 qt. * $17.50/qt.) = $0.35 Surfactant (80/20) = SO.03 Poast (1.5 pt./ac. * 0.02 ac. = 0.02 pt. * $12.75/pt.) = $0.25 Seed (depends on species selected) $2.50 grasses (per species) = Wildflowers (custom mix) _ $20.00 Fertilizer (15 lbs. 10-20-20/ac. * $8.00/50 lbs.) _ $2.40 Labor (16 hrs @ $15.00/hr.) = $240.00 Total Cost (for grasses per 1000 sq ft.) = $245.53 Total Cost (for wildflowers per 1000 sq ft.) = $263.03 Calculation: 1000 sq ft. = 250 foot of fence row (17,900/250=71.6) 71.6 x $245.53 = $17,580.00 71.6 x $263.03 = $18,833.00 • . 1 • • 11 Assuming the alternative vegetation method is a workable solution to vegetation problems along fence rows -- reducing labor and equipment cost by 50%, the total cost for a period of five (5) years is estimated at S64,402 (Labor 0 $7,402, Alternative Vegetation ® $18,000, Slit Seeder 0 $6,500 = $31,902 for first year). Herbicide Use Vegetation control accomplished using the following herbicide program: Accord (glyphosate) 1 quart per acre (0.75 lb. ai.) + Princep (stmazine) 1.2 lbs. per acre (1 Ib ai) (Caliper 90) + Surflan (oryzalin) 2 quarts per acre (2 lbs. ai.) + Surfactant (80/20) nonionic surfactant) 1.5 pt/ac. (From Farmers Coop) Applications can be made in mid to late April or prior to the start of recreational activities. Generally, two applications per year will maintain the fence rows vegetation free. However, if the weather remains warm (as during both 1990 and 1991) a third application may be needed to maintain the fence row. Estimated costs for using herbicides on the 17,900 linear feet of chainlink fence row in the Parks is as follows: 17,900 ft. x 1 ft. swath/43,560 = 0.41 acres to be treated Accord (1 at./ac.) * 0.41 = 0.41 qt. • $17.50/qt. Princep (1.2 lbs./ac.) • $3.50/lb Surflan (2 qt./ac.) * 0.41 ac. = 0.82 qt. • $16.25/qt. Surfactant (80/20) Backpack Sprayer (cost of new sprayer) Labor (8 hrs. 0 S15.00/hr.) Total Cost $7.18 $4.20 _ $13.33 $1.50 $100.00 _ $120.00 $246.21 Three applications per year (p) 5246.21/application = $738.63 Integrated Vegetation Under this option the City would establish demonstration projects as follows: 1) concrete underlay Wilson Ball fields (700 linear feet) at a cost of $2,940, 2) establish alternative vegetation along the fence rows at Wilson tennis courts, Walker park, Walker park exterior, Lake Fayetteville North, and the Boat Dock area at a cost of $3,900, 3) maintain other fence rows utilizing "old" workable methods 0 e., edging and trimming), and 4) weed control and plant growth regulators (50' test plot). Assuming a 30% reduction in labor is realized to maintain fence rows, this option would cost the City $70,618 over a penod of five (5) years -- a savings of $11,184 compared to current methods (edging and trimming). Please note that if the labor force is not reduced, this program may cost the City an additional estimated $7.000.