Notice: Spray notification to apply Telar throughout various open space locations, including:

- Wildhorse Ag Buffer – Throughout site from Pole Line Rd to Covell Blvd

- North Davis Uplands – Throughout site, near driveway off F st

- Cannery Farm Hedgerow – Throughout hedgerow feature on east edge of Cannery Farm

- South Fork Preserve – Targeted areas on north and south side of creek, away from waterline

This application is part of the City's overall integrated pest management of open spaces, due to the size of the locations included, size of infestation and growth stage of existing weeds.  The weeds reduce the amount of grass cover, and therefore change the composition and structure of the habitat, reducing its value. Pepperweed also directly competes with milkweed, a native species that supports endangered Monarch Butterflies.  A considerable investment was made to restore the site to native grasses in order to support resident and migratory wildlife and weeds threaten that investment. The spraying will take place during operational hours as conditions and time permit between May 27 and June 10, 2022.

Locations to spray: Open space areas identified above.

Pesticides: Telar (Chlorsulfuron2-Chloro-N-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl])

Target Pest: Pepperweed.

Methods Used and Strategies to Prevent Future Use: Mechanical cultivation is not an option because the soil disturbance will hurt or kill the native grasses.  Exposing soil could also allow for more weeds over time.  Additionally, City staff does not have the resources to go through the treatment area and hoe or hand-pull each plant to kill it and prevent seed set. Pepperweed is a management priority because it alters habitats and there is no reliable way to control it without herbicide. The plant can cause damage to infrastructure because it’s large, tuberous roots can undermine pipes, foundations and other facilities. The primary strategy to prevent future herbicide applications is to manage the native grasses to be the healthiest they can in order to resist and out-compete invasives. A successful application will allow the grasses to “release” from the competition the weeds provide and withstand future invasions. Native wildflowers will be planted following the application to replace the invasive weeds with desirable forbs.  Staff work to control other summer weeds along the trails and in the habitat areas extensively by hand. Volunteers, interns and partner organizations are all options for helping provide ongoing non-chemical control.

More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the city's webpage: Integrated Pest Management

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