PROJECT: Integrated Pest Management Task Force

The City of Fernie Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Task Force was formed in July 2005 to specifically look at the formation of an Integrated Pest Management Strategy and Recommendations to be brought forward to City Council with the specific intent on the reduction of pesticides use on public and private lands within the boundaries of the City of Fernie.

The IPM Task Force has researched the impacts of pesticide use and has made recommendations to raise the public's awareness of the health and environmental effects of pesticide use and the natural alternatives for pest control in lawns, gardens and parks. Pesticides have been proven to have both short term and long term health risks to people and negatively impact the environment. Children and pregnant women tend to be most at risk due to children's size and under-developed immune systems.

The IPM Task Force recommends an education and bylaw approach to ensure the strategy is effective in reducing the use of pesticides within the City of Fernie. The Task Force made specific recommendations for various public lands, private lands, as well as a recommended List of Exempted Pesticides and education suggestions.

The Task Force agreed that the bylaw should to be written by City staff. In writing a Pesticide Reduction Bylaw the Task Force would recommend using the Town of Gibsons Bylaw No. 996, 2005 as a good template, or the City of Nelson, Bylaw to Regulate the Cosmetic Use of Pesticides (in process of approval).