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Summary
The ������Ƶ Facilities Management – Grounds Department is committed to
sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. As such, the Department has
implemented this Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan for University Grounds. This plan
was developed in accordance with industry best practices and various resources, including the
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), NY Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYS DEC), the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (a program of Cornell
University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension), and the
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Definitions
Integrated pest management can have different definitions depending on the source.
According to the US EPA, IPM is defined and described as follows:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive
  approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.
  IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and
  their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available
  pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means,
  and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
  The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such
  as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest
  management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.

In contrast, organic landscape management “applies many of the same concepts as IPM but
limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to
synthetic chemicals” (US EPA). An organic program may include the use of chemical pesticides
for “rescue treatments” (AASHE).

Scope
This plan applies to all grounds owned by the University or affiliated entities (such as the
������Ƶ Foundation) that are under the auspices and control of the Facilities
Management Department.

Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to manage pest populations on campus grounds to ensure health &
safety, protect campus infrastructure, and enhance campus appearance, all while reducing the
potential exposure of hazardous materials to the campus community (students, faculty/staff, &
visitors), minimizing the impact of management practices on the local environment, and
minimizing labor and material costs.

Responsibilities
The Grounds & Mechanical Services Manager has primary responsibility for the implementation
of this plan, and for ensuring all Grounds staff are properly trained in and follow the provisions
of this plan. Any contracted service providers will also be required to adhere to the provisions
of this plan.
The Assistant Director of Operations – Campus Services has overall administrative oversight of
this plan.
The Committee on the University Environment provides general support and guidance.

Annual Review
This plan shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed, and shall be submitted to the
Committee on the University Environment for review annually.

Categorization of Grounds

University Grounds are divided into three categories:

• Unmanaged grounds
  • This includes forested and natural areas that are completely wild and
    unmanaged.
  • Grounds managed organically
    • This includes forested and natural areas that are managed in accordance with an
      organic program, including the ������Ƶ Nature Preserve and
      designated no mow/low mow areas.
    • Grounds managed in accordance with IPM practices
      • This includes all other University grounds.

IPM Practices

1. Identification of Pests & Monitoring Pest Activity
a. University Grounds are routinely inspected by the Grounds & Mechanical
Services Manager and designated trained Grounds personnel for the
identification of pests and monitoring of pest activity.
b. When necessary, experts related to a specific field (e.g. arborists, plant
pathologists, plant entomologists, etc.) are consulted or hired to inspect,
identity, & implement a plan of action for the targeted pest(s).

2. Determining Action Thresholds
a. The Grounds & Mechanical Services Manager determines whether the type,
location, and density of pest(s) warrant the implementation of prevention
and/or control measures.

3. Prevention & Control
a. The type of prevention and/or control measures taken depends on the factors
listed in Step 2. Prevention measures may include the selection of pest-resistant
plants. Control measures may include mechanical removal (including weeding,
string-trimming, & utilization of backpack propane torch kits), targeted spraying
of chemical pesticides, or broadcast spraying of non-specific chemical pesticides
as a last resort. Less risky measures (such as mechanical removal) are
considered before more risky measures (such as pesticide application).

4. Evaluation of Results
a. The Grounds & Mechanical Services Manager will reinspect areas after
prevention and control measures have been taken, document the results of
these inspections, and utilize this information to determine the effectiveness of
the measures already taken, and determine whether additional measures should
be taken.

Use of Chemical Pesticides & Fertilizer

The Facilities Management Grounds Department uses pesticides (including herbicides and
insecticides) and fertilizer to maintain a safe, healthy, functional, and beautiful environment for
the campus community. Facilities Management endeavors to use only as much pesticide and
fertilizer as needed to achieve these goals, in accordance with the principles of IPM.

Products & Locations

Pre-emergent flowable liquid herbicide (“Evade”) is applied only as needed to curbs, asphalt
sidewalks, concrete sidewalks, paver sidewalks, patios, courtyards, and parking lots in order to
prevent weed growth early in the Spring. More specifically, applications are made to areas of
First Impressions.
Pre-emergent flowable liquid herbicide (“Speedzone”) is applied only as needed to selected
lawns in areas of First Impressions and to co-rec fields.
Pre-emergent granular herbicide ("Broadstar" & “Preen”) is applied only as needed to
landscaping beds located in areas of First Impressions.
Post-emergent flowable liquid herbicide (“Finale XL” & “CheetahPro”) is applied only as
needed after Commencement to curbs, asphalt sidewalks, concrete sidewalks, paver sidewalks,
patios, courtyards, and parking lots in order to eliminate any emerging weed growth.
Organic polymer fertilizer (“Polyon”) is applied only as needed to selected lawns in areas of
First Impressions and to co-rec fields.
Insecticide (“Sevin”) is applied only as needed to control beetle damage to newly-planted
trees.

Regulatory Compliance
The ������Ƶ Facilities Management Grounds Department complies with
all applicable New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and
United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulations.

-Storage & Disposal

• All pesticides are stored securely in accordance with NYS DEC regulations.
• All empty pesticide containers are disposed of in accordance with NYS DEC
  regulations.

-Application

• The application of restricted-use pesticides is done only by Grounds employees
  who are NYS DEC Certified Pesticide Applicators or Technicians. These
  employees complete annual continuing education requirements in order to
  maintain their certification.
• All applications are logged in accordance with NYS DEC regulations.

-Notification

• This plan shall be updated annually and posted to the Facilities Management
  website. Notification shall be made to the campus community via Dateline and
  B-Line.
• In accordance with NYS DEC regulations, the public will be notified of the
  application of restricted-use pesticides as follows:
  ▪ For herbicide applications, small yellow signs will be posted at intervals of
  no greater than 75 feet around the perimeter of and at the entry point to
  the treated areas. These signs must remain in place for 24 hours
  following the application.

- Reporting

• Application logs are submitted to the NYS DEC annually.