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Integrated Vegetation Management Partners, Inc.'s 2006 Strategy
Strategic Approach
IVM Partners approach to pesticide risk reduction includes working with pesticide manufacturers and applicators to develop the best management practices that meet management goals with minimal input, cost and environmental impact. These BMPs are then shared with federal and state agencies and conservation groups to educate them on the latest techniques and assist them in their vegetation management strategies. Partnerships are developed with land grant universities to scientifically document the best practices and disseminate the information to the student body, practitioners and the general public through the extension programs.
Progress on 2005 Activity 1
No strategy was submitted in 2005, but I fulfilled our mission by providing integrated vegetation management training at over 20 conferences.
Progress on 2005 Activity 2
A pesticide recertification and IVM training workshop was hosted in Novi, MI for utility and contractor personnel working in SE Michigan. Speakers from EPA Region 5, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Michigan Department of Agriculture also participated.
Progress on 2005 Activity 3
An IVM best practices workshop for federal agency personnel stationed in Washington DC was held at Chesapeake Farms, MD. Demonstrations were conducted of new application techniques and low volume herbicides and their efficacy in controlling non-native invasive plants.
Progress on 2005 Activity 4
A similar workshop was held at Chesapeake Farms for Ducks Unlimited.
Activities for the Coming Year
Activity 1
Provide IVM education to at least 500 people through presentations at 6 professional association confernences throughout the year
How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
The best IVM practices that meet management needs at minimal risk will be provided to the target audience.
How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Document what conferences educational presentations are provided and the number of people in attendance.
Activity 2
Transfer the best IVM practices used on electric rights-of-way to at least one other profession that manages vegetation on corridors; i.e. natural gas, roadside, nature trails.
How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
The best IVM practices that meet management needs at minimal risk will be provided to the target audience.
How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Document what professions are educated and any positive outcomes to this training.
Activity 3
Conduct a best practices workshop for federal and state agencies to continue hands-on field training.
How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
Agency personnel that are cognizant of the best practices will make more informed decisions for drafting regulations or continuing education.
How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Document the number of personnel and from which agencies attend the workshop and record their comments and recommendations for futher development.
Activity 4
Provide direct assistance to a federal agency in developing their vegetation management plan.
How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
Technology transfer of the best practices to an actual field problem.
How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Document the agency and management location, problem addressed and outcome.
Activity 5
Thousands of people can benefit by learning from the successes or failures of others and the best practices to meet specific needs.
How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
Develop a web site to share case study successes and the best practices applied.
How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Track the number of web site "hits".