Marin County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

Marin on Fire Redux[PDF]

Published: March 25, 2013 25 pages
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Findings 9 findings

F1
There has been a long history of fire on Mt. Tamalpais. It is likely that wildfire will occur again.
F2
Wildfire danger is rated very high owing to substantial fuel-load growth especially for invasive weeds, particularly various species of Broom.
F3
Property development in areas adjacent to open space places these adjacent communities at great risk to fire and the loss of life and property.
F4
Traditional vegetation management methods have not been effective in the control of Broom infestations.
F5
The use of herbicides in conjunction with traditional vegetation management methods is the most effective means to eliminate Broom, and is cost effective compared to less productive alternatives
F6
Current scientific studies indicate that the recommended application of glyphosate with a surfactant approved for use within Watershed areas pose no significant risk.
F7
Approved glyphosate based herbicides have been certified as safe by the EPA, are used by the Marin Country Parks & Open Space District and on Federal, County and State owned lands. Extending the use of glyphosates to MMWD lands to control Broom should be practical and controllable based on experiences gained from these other glyphosate applications within the county.
F8
The MMWD Board of Directors’ agreement to stop using herbicides to control Broom has resulted in over 300 additional acres in increased Broom infestation over the past 8 years. This has led to a high risk of fire, and exposes communities adjacent to the MMWD lands to the consequent loss of property and lives.
F9
Some community activists refuse to consider any information showing that a managed application of herbicides approved by the EPA can be used in any form. Decisions concerning the use of herbicides to control fuel load on MMWD lands should be based entirely on science, economics and the broad public welfare.

Recommendations 5