Bidwell Park Spraying Continues

From a City of Chico Press Release and a Spray Map

The City of Chico is using the herbicide Garlon 4 to "spot" spray invasive plants such as blackberry bushes.
Read the City's press release below for more information.

July 16, 1999

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CONTINUES IN LOWER PARK

The City of Chico is moving into the next phase of the vegetation management program for Bidwell Park. The program is an attempt by the City to reduce the amount of invasive, non-Butte County native plants in Lower Park.

The program utilizes various techniques hand removal; goat grazing to reduce the amount of invasive, non-native plants; spray to control reinfestation; low broadcast burns in some instances; and the replanting of plants native to Butte County.

While efforts are being made to minimize the use of spray to control Himalayan blackberry, vinca and ivy, follow-up or spot spraying is needed to maintain control of the invasive plants until the native plants can become established. The spray is absorbed by the plant and is moved to the root system, killing the entire plant.

The spray program will begin on Monday, July 19 and continue until Friday, August 20, weather permitting. Spraying will take place between 5:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekdays only. In addition to the herbicide, a blue, biodegradable dye will be used to mark the area where spraying has occurred.

In addition to the dye, the City will post its electronic sign board in the Park to indicate where spraying is taking place.

Signs will be placed at entrance locations as an added measure to notify the public of the spraying.

Spraying around Caper Acres will occur on Mondays when that portion of the Park is closed.

A message will be posted on the Park Department's after hours telephone line (895-4972) indicating whether spraying is scheduled for the following day.

The City is taking added measures to notify the public of the spraying operation because of previous concerns voiced by citizens. Those citizens who have requested notification are provided information of the spraying by mail.

The spray is absorbed rapidly by the plants, and once the spray has dried, usually in a matter of minutes, it is not detectable and is harmless to humans and animals.