Q: If reducing herbicide applications on open space by 50%, what does that mean?
Response: Application area. Herbicide application will be reduced 50%, from 1,120 acres to 560 acres by 2030.
Q: With Crane Hollow, are you using less herbicide because you don't need to use it, because there are fewer weeds?
Response: Yes, we've achieved the management goal, which was to create native habitat for Preble's.
Q: Are you considering the condition of the new properties you will purchase and what treatments might be necessary?
Response: Yes, we are taking that into consideration.
Q: Is this plan for just for open space natural lands, or all areas like ditches and agricultural lands?
Response: This is everything but agricultural lands. The Cropland Policy covers weed control on county-owned agricultural lands.
Paula Fitzgerald joined remotely to comment that the revised draft plan reflects the input that has come in from the public and POSAC. She appreciates the efforts to protect biodiversity by limiting the harmful effects of cheatgrass and other invasive weeds. She would like to see a more clear decision-making matrix that lists the various control protocols. She would also like to see the plan reduce herbicide use by 50% in fewer than 6 years, if possible.
Derek Turner would like to see more detail around aerial spraying and why those particular areas were selected.
Janet George is uncomfortable with aerial spraying using a helicopter. She would like to see glyphosate eliminated, although she does see the need to use it on stumps.
Carol Byerly is gratified by the work staff has done and she is more comfortable with the current draft. She is against using helicopters for spraying and the use of glyphosate.
Trace Baker is glad to see the updates to the plan. He would like to see the decision-making process more explicit. He would like to see the use of helicopters eventually stopped. He doesn't think it's reasonable to suddenly ban the use of a particular herbicide, but he would like to see glyphosate eliminated eventually.
Jackson Moller is in favor of the 50% reduction. He is supportive of using drones over helicopters. He would like to see a clean break from glyphosate.
Kristine Johnson is concerned about Rejuvra being outside the WHO tables. She would like to see water monitoring. She would like to see glyphosate use eliminated. She pointed out that this plan does not cover agricultural land. She thinks public engagement has improved the plan.
Tony Lewis agreed that public input has helped the process. He would like to see more transparency regarding treatment areas and showing that on a map. He would also like to see a decision matrix for better transparency. He would like for glyphosate to be eliminated and to stop the use of helicopters. He thinks there should be no aerial spraying within 2 miles of homes.
Public Comments
The following spoke against the use of all chemical herbicides:
Richard Lear, Lyons
Erin Meschke, Boulder
Amanda Dumenigo, Lyons
Richard Andrews, Boulder
Michael Moss, Boulder County
Mark Guttridge, Longmont
Tess McDonald, Lyons
Alex Markevich, Boulder County
Anyll Markevich, Boulder County
Christel Markevich, Boulder County
The following spoke in favor of the IWMP draft plan:
Rob Alexander, Longmont
Keith Bateman, Boulder County
Paul Schlagel, Boulder County
Wyatt Barnes, Boulder County
Scott Schlegel, Boulder County
Jules Van Thuyne, Boulder County
Dan Lisco, Boulder County
Scott Miller, Lafayette
Bev Baker, Louisville