the Calhoun wetlands, where great blue herons, egrets, turtles, muskrats and
other wildlife can be observed:
Why is a wetland buffer area being sprayed with pesticides? The wetland buffer
sign says: "This is a protected area. It contains vegetation that filters
runoff, prevents erosion, and is important to wildlife. Please avoid any
activities that interfere with buffer functions. Activities such as mowing,
discarding yard waste, applying fertilizer, landscaping, placement of
structures, or any similar actions are not allowed."
Does anyone think that pesticide spraying does not "interfere with buffer
functions?"
Why is a shoreland restoration project area being sprayed with pesticides? Does
anyone think the poison does not harm the wildlife who depend on this area for
food, water, and shelter?
Who is doing the spraying? Is it the same people who mow the area? Do they even
know what plants they are spraying? (A few years ago, mowers were mowing the
Cedar Lake prairie along the bike path, not knowing they were mowing desirable
prairie plants, not turf grass or weeds.)
Do these applications get reported on the MPRB database of pesticide
applications? What is the reason for the application?
What are the target plants to kill? What damage are the target plants doing?
There used to be a huge and healthy stand of common milkweed near the south
side of the bridge, and after mowing and other 'treatments' for several years,
I see hardly any milkweed at all there.
Why are funds being spent this way--to apply poisons in our parks--instead of
spending the funds to maintain our park centers?