Check out what your neighbor Erica Zerr has been up do. A message from Erica via email …

Hello Everyone:

Well, a contingent of neighborhood representatives and myself met with Todd Chwala and Phil Fieber this morning regarding herbicide use in Forest Hill Cemetery. The results were promising, with the city agreeing to treat two test plots in an alternative manner for a period of three years after which we will asses the success of the plots and consider treating the entire cemetery in that method.

I have attached a photo diagram [click the image above for a bigger version] of the space and the plan for each of those spaces.  One large space, which runs the entire length of Huebsch Blvd. and a portion of Emery will be treated with Carfentrazone (Quicksilver), which was recently approved for use in Canada.  It poses a very low risk to humans, animals and other non-target life-forms.  Here is a link to the approval decision from Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_decisions/rd2012-09/index-eng.php

The second test plot will be completely herbicide free, spot treated only with a chelated iron (Fiesta) for dandelions. Grass heights will be higher (3-4″) and the space will be fertilized with a slow release nitrogen fertilizer twice per year.  This plot will have signs put up around lit labeling it an alternative turf management test site.  We are quite excited about this space.

The remainder of the cemetery will be sprayed with MCPA, Quicksilver and dish soap.  The MCPA, where a phoenoxy herbicide, will be applied in extremely low concentrations compared to normal rates.

This seems like a really good starting place for us. I will be attending the East Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on April 19th and will be explain the situation and answer questions about the test plots.

Currently, all of these places are set to be treated on April 30th.  Please spread the word to your neighbors!

– Erica