Paul E. Helliker Director |
Governor |
|
Secretary for Environmental Protection |
|
Paul E. Helliker Director |
Governor |
|
Secretary for Environmental Protection |
May 2, 2001
Fairfax Town Council
142 Bolinas Road
Fairfax, California 94930
Dear Mayor Ghiringhelli and Fellow Council Members
To follow up on my recent letter regarding your local pesticide ordinance, I want to suggest some alternatives that may address your needs and our concerns. I hope this will provide the basis for a positive working relationship, since I believe our ultimate goals are the same-to protect people and the environment.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR:) and our partner, Marin County Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen, are actively working to encourage nontoxic alternatives to pesticides in Marin County and throughout the State. We stress the benefits of integrated pest management (IPM), which adapts natural methods to discourage pests while fostering beneficial plants and animals.
DPR has advised and supported local government efforts in a number of California communities, including San Francisco and Santa Monica, which have adopted their own policies limiting the use of pesticides on their properties. These policies have included the use of an IPM approach, which has resulted in the successful reduction or elimination of the use of pesticides on public property. These IPM policies also provide an excellent example for individuals and organizations to undertake voluntary, private efforts.
We also support IPM through statewide grants that total about $1.4 million annually. Last year, a $100,000 grant to develop a model IPM program for schools was awarded in Marin County, under the supervision of Agricultural Commissioner Carlsen.
Recently, DPR issued a news release on IPM resources to help consumers learn more about alternative pest management strategies. Attached please find a news release and other resource materials for your review. Much more information is available on our Web site and other IPM sites, as referenced in these materials. Our staff also has experience working with public agencies on alternative pest management strategies.
During the past several months, I understand that Agricultural Commissioner Carlsen and his staff have contacted you to discuss pesticide use and safety issues. We would be pleased to provide more information to help your community reduce pesticide risks and encourage least toxic pest management strategies. For more information, please call my office.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Helliker
Director
(916) 445-4000
Attachments
cc: Mr. Stacy Carlsen,. Marin County Agricultural Commissioner (w/Attachments)
Mr. Daniel J. Merkley, DPR Agricultural Commissioner Liaison (w/Attachments)