The Public Works Department currently implements a pest and weed eradication program that targets the following locations: major streets (along the shoulders and medians), the 78 Freeway shoulder and ramps, Parks, Fire hazard open areas, and Wastewater easement areas.  Staff takes a tiered approach when performing eradication.  The first option is to remove weeds through physical or mechanical means.  If this method is futile or inefficient and costly, staff then uses chemical control or a combination of the two.  The focus is to also use pesticides in areas where needed to minimize possible harm to people and the environment. 

On July 18, 2024 the City of Vista received a grant through the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for a “Sustainable IPM Program in the City of Vista”. 

The Sustainable IPM Program for the City of Vista aims to create a comprehensive, replicable

model for non-glyphosate weed control alternatives that will serve as a blueprint for other areas and regions. This project will address the pressing need for sustainable and effective weed management practices while minimizing the use of chemical herbicides. Collaborative training will be provided to City staff and contracted service providers that oversee and implement current weed management programs for the city. Workshops will be provided in person and virtually to the public to disseminate information on IPM best practices including prevention, early detection, rapid response, non-chemical weed control, and improved methods for targeted chemical weed control. Overall, this project will develop a living document that can be shared with other municipalities and will provide training and informational resources for widespread sharing of best practices that can inform IPM programs on a county-wide level and beyond.

This project contributes to DPR's mission to protect human health and the environment, and

supports California's transition to safer, more sustainable pest management by developing an

effective and sustainable city-wide IPM Plan that incorporates training, resource sharing,

assessment of best practices in urban areas, and cost effectiveness. The project will train City

staff, contracted service professionals, and members of the public and equip them with

knowledge to implement IPM best practices. Further, this project will serve as a model for

sustainable weed management in other urban spaces within the State.

Goals:

• Review current IPM practices for the City of Vista and identify potential areas for

  improvement.

• Develop sustainable weed management strategies based on identified areas for

  improvement.

• Assess cost effectiveness of recommended updated IPM practices.
• Provide weed IPM education and outreach to city staff and elected officials to improve

policymaking, to property owners and managers and landscape contractors to inform

risks and benefits of pesticide alternatives, and to residents to explain new weed

management policies.

View City of Vista's IPM program here