Boulder County Weed Management

Boulder County's Weed Management Plan is aimed at controlling invasive weed species to preserve native ecosystems, however, their plan is concerning among residents and environmentalists. The primary issue lies in the methods employed - particularly the use of chemical herbicides, which have potential adverse effects on human health, wildlife, and the overall ecological balance of our valley.

Key Concerns:

1) Chemical Herbicide Usage: The extensive application of herbicides like glyphosate and indaziflam, as part of the weed management strategy, is alarming. These chemicals pose risks such as contamination of water sources, harm to non-target plant species, and potential health risks to humans and animals.

2) Impact on Biodiversity: The current approach could inadvertently harm native flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats.

3) Community Health and Safety: There is growing unease over the potential health implications for communities residing near treated areas (periodically done via aerial spray), especially children and those with pre-existing health conditions.

4) Environmental Sustainability: Questions arise about the long-term sustainability of using synthetic chemicals for weed control, prompting calls for more eco-friendly and holistic approaches.

SOSVV advocates for a revision of the plan, emphasizing the need for safer, more sustainable weed management practices that align with the community's environmental values and health priorities. This involves exploring alternative methods such as organic herbicides, mechanical weed removal, and public education on invasive species management.

The proposed changes below emphasize a shift towards more sustainable, community-informed, and ecologically sound practices in weed management, aligning with SOSVV's commitment to protecting the environment and public health.

1) Opposition to Pesticide Use on Public Land: We want Boulder County to recognize that state law does not mandate pesticide use for weed control, but rather prescribes management, which can exclude pesticides.

2) Moratorium on Pesticide Use: We want an immediate halt to all pesticide usage until Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) develops a more scientific and inclusive public process, incorporating insights from ecologists, scientists, local nonprofits, community leaders, and staff.

3) Specific Moratorium for Certain Weed Categories: We want a suspension of pesticide use for managing List B and List C noxious weeds, as well as those not listed in Lists A, B, or C, to reduce excessive chemical use currently targeting over 65 species.

4) Regenerative Grazing Pilot Program: We would like to see weed management resources use to implement a pilot program that employs targeted grazing of weeds using regenerative practices, involving regenerative land managers.

5) Stricter Pesticide Approval Process: We want Boulder County to adopt a more rigorous process for approving pesticides for use on public lands, akin to the City of Boulder's standards, where most currently used products have failed to pass.

6) Environmental Impact Monitoring: Spray sites and downstream water bodies must be monitored for non-target impacts, including insects, aquatic organisms, water, soil, and drift, as the current Draft Integrated Weed Management (IWM) Plan lacks such protocols.

7) Water Testing Accountability: Boulder County needs to conduct water testing at spray sites and affected areas, and also finance water testing for Open Space lease-holders and downstream neighbors for potential pesticide impacts.

8) Transparency in Pesticide Application Records: We want full disclosure of every pesticide application for the past five years and the preservation of this historical data for future environmental toxicity studies.

9) Addressing Root Causes of Noxious Weeds: e would like Boulder County to identify and address the underlying causes of noxious weed proliferation, beyond mere symptom treatment.

10) Pesticide Use and Soil Health Correlation: Boulder County needs to clarify how pesticide applications align with their soil health initiatives and whether such applications interfere with ongoing soil health efforts on Open Space lands.

11) Community Engagement and Feedback: We would like public input on the future direction of Boulder County's stewardship of public lands, focusing on community concerns about pesticides and preferred approaches to weed management.

Attend the Public Comment Period with the County Commissioners and Share Your Thoughts

The number of community members who engage on this topic is going to be THE determining factor in how seriously the County reconsiders its pesticide use practices.

May 23, 2024 — The Board of Boulder County Commissioners will be voting to approve, modify, or deny the proposed weed management plan. Share your thoughts with them at commissioners@bouldercounty.gov.