For the record

Pesticide use policy reminder

In accordance with the university’s stormwater permit and pesticide use policy, pesticide applicators are to notify the Central Answering and Response Service (CARS) at 263-3333 prior to using a pesticide. In addition, applicators are to notify faculty, staff, students and visitors of their pesticide use by a reasonable and effective means, such as posting signs where pesticides have been applied, distributing posters, flyers or electronic mail to people who may frequent the application area. Notices may be published on the Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) website. The policy is also posted on the EH&S website.

The pesticide use policy encourages best management practices (BMPs) that maximizeeffectiveness and safety, and minimize environmental impact. Pesticides used in research and teaching are expected to abide by this policy’s objectives, although alternative procedures may be allowed for the purposes of academic study. Visit the website or contact Marisa Trapp of the Environment, Health & Safety Department at 262-2407 for pesticide label information, information about hazards and exposures to using pesticides, or information regarding pollutants in stormwater.

Annual pesticide application notification

UW–Madison has traditionally applied fertilizer and herbicides to turf areas and landscape display beds in the general areas of campus and to invasive plants in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. For a listing of products used on campus and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, visit Chemical and Environmental Safety online.

The Environmental Services-Grounds Department and Lakeshore Nature Preserve are sensitive to the community’s concerns regarding the use of herbicides and fertilizers. Therefore, we emphasize that their use is a tool as part of an Integrated Plant Management program. Promoting healthy turf and landscape displays minimizes pesticide use. Promoting diverse biological communities in natural areas minimizes pesticide use for weed control.