Models in Washington

Cities and counties typically manage parks, roadsides, and other public property, often using relatively large quantities of pesticides. Some cities and counties have prioritized the health of people and the environment by changing their landscape practices to reduce their reliance on pesticides. For example, Jefferson County, Washington, stopped using herbicides to control roadside vegetation 20 years ago. Instead, the county manages the roadsides to promote low-growing native plants that crowd out weeds. The City of Bainbridge Island in 2003 adopted the strongest pesticide use policy in the state, eliminating the use of pesticide products that can pose serious threats to the health of our communities or our environment. In 2004, the City of Snohomish adopted a similar policy, and in January 2006, Olympia adopted a resolution that outlines the city’s commitment to maintaining their city properties without toxic pesticides.

Below you can read more about the work that is being done to reduce pesticide use in a number of Washington cities and counties already. To learn more about how to get your city, county, or park healthy and pesticide-free, see our Get Involved page.

Seattle

Originally adopted in 1999, the Seattle policy covers all city departments and aims to eliminate the use of the most toxic pesticides and reduce their overall use. The city also implemented a Pesticide-Free Parks program, which includes 22 park sites around the city. Read more about the Seattle program on their website:
seattle.gov/environment/pesticides.htm

Snohomish

The Snohomish City Council adopted a comprehensive IPM policy in 2004. This policy includes a similar criteria for pesticide selection as Bainbridge Island’s city policy. Snohomish also placed strict pesticide restrictions on parks and along waterways, and currently maintains their parks without pesticides.

Bainbridge Island City and Parks

The City of Bainbridge Island adopted a comprehensive ordinance in 2003 including use of IPM with a focus on pesticide reduction. The ordinance eliminates the use of pesticides linked to serious environmental or human health impacts. In Spring 2006, the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks District updated their IPM policy to include language similar to the city’s ordinance.

Olympia

Unanimously adopted by the City Council in January 2006, Olympia’s resolution formally adopts IPM for all city properties and buildings, and eliminates the use of pesticides linked to serious human health or environmental impacts. Currently, the Parks Department is finishing up their IPM plan. The resolution also aims to reduce the city’s purchase of products that contain or contribute to persistent toxic pollution, including PVC, mercury, chlorine-bleached paper, and toxic flame retardants.

Shoreline

The City of Shoreline maintains most of their parks without the use of pesticides, and will be putting up “Pesticide Free Zone” signs in 17 parks. The city has also been distributing signs to homeowners to identify yards that are maintained without the use of pesticides.

Lynnwood

Adopted in 2002, the Lynnwood policy is based on Seattle’s, eliminating the use of the most toxic products and working to reduce overall pesticide use in parks and public places.

Thurston County

Read more about their strong countywide policy regarding pesticide reduction and IPM here.

Jefferson County 

Read more about their strong roadside no-spray policy and practices here.

Other public places …

To read more about great places in Washington that have worked to reduce or eliminate their use of hazardous pesticides, you can read our 2002 report “Growing Trends: Successful Strategies for Reducing Pesticides in Public Places." (PDF file)