Advisory Board: Fish and Wildlife Committee
Subject: Update on the activities of the Contra Costa County Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee
Presenter: Wade Finlinson
Contact: 925.490.3428
Information:
The County Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy requires the IPM Coordinator to provide an annual update to the Fish and Wildlife Committee. The County IPM Program consists of the IPM Advisory Committee, the IPM Coordinator, and certain County operational departments or divisions that manage pests. Applicable departments and divisions-along with their contracted service providers-are subject to the County IPM policies and practices.
Referral History and Update:
Some highlights of the last year include the following:
• In support of the IPM Policy goal of promoting availability, public awareness, and public input into written County IPM records, the Committee approved decision documentation regarding the management of ground squirrels. State legislation that went into effect in January 2025 limited the use of rodenticides. The IPM Decision-Making Subcommittee held four meetings to revise the document to acknowledge and respond to the challenges posed by these operational impacts. The full Committee approved the document in September and will present recommendations to TWIC in the coming months.
• The IPM Training Subcommittee reviewed current training programs in applicable County departments and divisions and helped prioritize areas for improvement. The IPM Coordinator will work with staff from Agriculture/Weights & Measures to implement these suggestions into a resource document that clarifies training standards consistent with regulations and County policy for applicable personnel.
• The Nature-Based Solutions Subcommittee initiated a review of various County-owned properties and discussed potential nature-based climate co-benefits that overlap with IPM practices. This ongoing effort is in line with the IPM Policy goal to "minimize risks and maximize benefits to the general public, staff, and the environment as a result of pest control activities conducted by County staff and contractors."
• The IPM Coordinator also supported the reestablishment of the Alameda/Contra Costa Weed Management Area (WMA). Alameda County Resource Conservation District (RCD) is the fiscal lead. One of the initial funded programs of the WMA will allow Contra Costa RCD to expand efforts to control Arundo donax through EcoStewards.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Staff recommends receiving the update, asking any questions, and advising as appropriate.