 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Support CATs! Use
|
|
Push for pesticide-free schools advances Since publishing a report last summer (2004) evaluating public schools compliance with state law (Are Our Schools Flunking Out? A Mid-Term Report Card on Chemical Pest Management), CATs has learned that more schools are now conforming to the 2000 Healthy Schools Act (HSA). In an informal survey of school districts in Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Del Norte counties, CATs found that many schools have taken commendable steps in reducing or eliminating pesticides in their schools, and nearly all now comply with the notification and posting requirements spelled out in the HSA (summary - 40 kb pdf). Many have also adopted comprehensive Integrated Pest Management policies to codify least toxic practices.
Other districts have taken considerable steps in reducing their pesticide use over the past year. While we hope they will soon consider completely eliminating these chemicals, we would like to acknowledge their efforts to prioritize nontoxic alternatives:
In addition to the school districts listed above, CATs would also like to thank the following districts for cooperating in our survey: Cinnabar, Ferndale, Fortuna High, Kneeland, Konocti, Liberty, Pacific Union, Piner-Olivet, Potter Valley, Rincon Valley, Roherville, Scotia Union, and Two Rock. NOTE: We are still awaiting responses from the remaining 28 school districts. The survey (40 kb pdf) can be downloaded, completed, and mailed to CATs by school administrators or staff members. CATs has also elaborated a sample IPM school board policy (56 kb pdf) and a sample “no pesticide” board statement (16 kb pdf). Are Our Schools Flunking Out? A Mid-Term Report Card on Chemical Pest Management is available free of charge as a 660 kb pdf file. CLICK HERE to download.
|
Reptile, Amphibian
|
