Memorandum

DATE: January 23, 2007

TO: Honorable Mayor Mike Amyx

Vice Mayor Sue Hack

Commissioner “Boog” Highberger

Commissioner Mike Rundle

Commissioner David Schauner

FROM: Daniel Poull, Chairperson, on behalf of members of the Recycling and Resource Conservation Advisory Board

RE: Recommendation to Expand Pesticide-Free Parks System

CC: David Corliss, City Manager

Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manage

Charles Soules, Public Works Director

Bob Yoos, Solid Waste Division Manager

Tammy Bennett, Assistant Public Works Director

Mollie Mangerich, Operations Supervisor

Recycling and Resource Conservation Advisory Board Members

The Recycling and Resource Conservation Advisory Board supports Pesticide-Free Parks in Lawrence. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows pesticides are harmful to children, adults, animal companions, wildlife, and the environment as a whole. We believe that providing park spaces that are free from chemicals is an important step toward preserving our natural resources and creating a healthy, high quality of life for Lawrence residents.

Pesticide exposure has been linked to cancer, organ damage, neurological problems, reproductive difficulties, hormone disruption, and birth defects. These chemicals can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, absorption through the skin, and contact with the eyes. Dried pesticides can become chemically active again if rehydrated through contact with rain or dew or contact with mucous membranes of the body.

Children are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure through contact during play and are likely to touch their eyes and mouths. Furthermore, pesticide residue attached to dust can be stirred up and inhaled. Children are more susceptible to the negative effects of pesticides because their bodies are small and still developing.

Animal companions are vulnerable to pesticide exposure because they are low to the ground, roll around on outdoor surfaces, and lick their bodies. Because pesticides are invisible, people and pets can unknowingly walk through pesticides and track them into their cars and homes. Pesticides also negatively impact beneficial insects, birds, and mammals.

The migration of pesticides into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater disrupts the ecology of aquatic wildlife and contaminates our drinking water supply. Pesticides can also compromise the health of desired plants by harming beneficial soil microbes. Pesticide drift, which inevitably results when pesticides are sprayed, degrades air quality. Because there are so many unintended negative consequences regarding pesticide use, we strongly recommend that the city continue to reduce its use of pesticides and move toward a pesticide-free park system.

We recommend that the city concurrently migrate toward the use of native species, mostly perennials, in city landscaping. Native landscaping provides better food and shelter for wildlife and promotes biodiversity in our green spaces. Perennial native plants are disease and drought resistant and are naturally well adapted to our climate and region. Therefore, native landscaping dramatically decreases the incidence of plant disease, decreases the need for new plantings, is compatible with xeriscaping which reduces and often eliminates the need to water, reduces weed invasion, and ultimately can reduce expenses. Native plants also honor and promote our Kansas History. Included are some colorful examples of native landscaping.

We support the steps the City has taken to reduce pesticide use and to create pilot project spaces that are completely free from toxic chemicals. We encourage the commission to seek the advice of experts who are dedicated to and experienced with pesticide-free maintenance of green spaces. Ultimately, we urge the commission to continue its commitment to the health of our community and environment by expanding the Pesticide-Free Parks Program.