Integrated Pest Management Program

The Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) Program is a science-based decision-making system used to design and control pest populations in order to limit their impacts as well as risks to people and the environment.

BACKGROUND

Santa Clara Valley and its surrounding hillsides are threatened by pest species that negatively impact our natural lands. Many of these pests are exotic species that are not native to this region and were introduced by people with unintended consequences. Most of these exotic plants and animals affect native species by changing the natural ecosystem or creating fire hazards. Controlling these pest species is one of the ways in which the Authority stewards its lands.

The Authority will use the IPM framework to guide how we manage pests, so we can limit the risks and impacts to our preserve visitors, staff, and the lands and facilities we manage. To accomplish this, the Authority developed a draft IPM policy and guidance manual to guide and inform pest management strategies that are efficient, cost-effective, protect human health and safety, and protect natural resources.

NEXT STEPS

The Authority is completing environmental review of the IPM Program and is seeking feedback from the public and partners on the draft IPM policy and guidelines. The final environmental review document, Policy, and Guidance Manual are expected to be complete in 2020. The first public meeting to gather feedback on this topic will be held October 29, 2019. Check back here for final meeting details.

Draft IPM Guidance Manual

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The six components of an ipm program Are:

Correctly identifying the species
Monitoring and assessing where the pests are located and how abundant they are
Setting thresholds for targeted control
Assessing site conditions to identify appropriate control treatments
Using the least harmful suite of control methods
Preventing pest problems by detecting new occurences early and treating them quickly