The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Sustainable Integrated Pest Management Policy for Campus Grounds
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1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that campus exterior spaces (grounds) are maintained following an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan. IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and posing the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
2. Responsible Officer
Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
3. Scope
This policy applies to the exterior spaces of all property controlled and maintained by the University and to any staff assigned to work on maintaining these spaces.
4. Background
Campus efforts to ensure sustainable grounds have greatly increased over the past five years. Many recommendations in the Campus Sustainability Plan have been completed including increasing the number of permanent plantings, prioritizing the use of native plants, and reducing turf area. Rain garden areas have been established to minimize the negative impacts of stormwater runoff.
Because college landscapes are highly visible symbols of our relationship with nature, making them more sustainable would go far to foster an eco-centric ethic and encourage more sustainable living in the larger community. Grounds are seen by everyone who visits or passes through campus and students and staff are exposed to grounds maintenance practices including chemicals and noise. Creating an Integrated Pest Management policy simultaneously with an IPM plan would help significantly in this effort and advancing the university’s sustainability goals. Additionally, an IPM plan is a requirement for one of a set of points in the AASHE STARS reporting that the campus participates in annually.
IPM relies on the identification and monitoring of potential pests. Not all insects, weeds, and other living organisms require control. Many organisms are beneficial, while others may be harmless. Practitioners of IPM identify and monitor pests so that appropriate control decisions may be made in response to potential harm. This approach removes the possibility that pesticides will be used when they are not needed or that the wrong pesticide may be used.
Once identification, monitoring, and action thresholds indicate that pest control is required, and preventive methods are no longer effective or available, IPM programs then evaluate the proper control method both for effectiveness and risk. Effective, less risky pest controls are chosen first, including mechanical control, such as trapping or weeding, followed by highly targeted chemicals. lf further monitoring indicates that less risky controls are not working, then additional pest control methods should be employed, such as targeted application of pesticides. Broadcast spraying of non-specific pesticides should always be a last resort.
5. Definitions
a. IPM = Integrated Pest Management, a strategy for maintaining plants based on prevention of pest problems and using chemical control strategies to minimize risk,
cost, and impact on non-target organisms.
b. Grounds= all exterior spaces of all property controlled by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
6. Policy Statement
a. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh shall maintain its grounds (outdoor areas of campus) by following an Integrated Pest Management Plan. The Grounds Supervisor will ensure that Grounds employees are aware of and follow the Plan.
b. The IPM Plan shall be developed by the Grounds Supervisor and the Sustainability Director with additional input from appropriate faculty and stakeholder groups including the Campus Sustainability Council. The Plan shall be reviewed and updated if necessary at least once every three years by the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds with assistance from the Sustainability Office.
c. The Plan shall be part of training for new employees in Grounds.
7. History
5/8/2018: Approved by Faculty Senate
5/9/2018: Approved by University Staff Senate
5/10/2018: Approved by Senate of Academic Staff
6/11/2018: Approved by Chancellor