Advisory Board: Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee (IPMAC)
Subject: 4. REVIEW IPM Program elements and ADVISE on these and other potential program adjustments.
Presenter: Wade Finlinson
Contact: 925.655.3214
Information:
The County IPM Policy states that IPMAC “serves as a resource to help both Department Heads and the Board of Supervisors periodically review, update, and improve existing programs and the processes used for making pest management decisions.” The IPM Program will likely move from the Hazardous Materials Programs Division of Contra Costa Health to the Agriculture Commissioner’s Office in the near future. This move marks an opportunity to evaluate how the broader program is structured and make recommendations for refinement.
Referral History and Update:
At the June 24, 2025 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Chief Lewis Broschard of the Contra Costa Fire Prevention District indicated that the IPM Program would transition to the Agriculture Commissioners office. The IPM Coordinator has been transitioning files, office space and other logistics to the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. It is anticipated that the change will be formalized on July 1, 2026.
On September 18, 2025, IPMAC discussed these changes and requested additional information be presented at a future meeting. The requested items will be reviewed in today’s discussion.
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.
Despite challenges, IPMAC has successfully produced a variety of resources and encouraged practices that should retain a central focus moving forward. Those include decision documentation, IPM plan templates, the Pesticide Risk Footprint Tool, policy revisions, and the facilitation of public forums that promote a high level of transparency.
Various reference documents are attached to this staff report. Those include Administrative Bulletin #542, the County IPM Policy, IPMAC Bylaws, the Pesticide Use Posting and Notification Policy, and the IPM Coordinator class specification. Presentation slides for this item are also attached.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
The IPM Coordinator would like to explore the feasibility of transitioning IPMAC to a less formal, but more impactful role. Committee members are encouraged to provide feedback, make recommendations, or otherwise advise.