Rockcrest Park Stream Restoration Project Herbicide Spraying

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Neighborhood Advisory

Rockcrest Park Stream Restoration Project
Invasive Plant Species Control and Herbicide Spraying

The City’s contractor, who is licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, will be spraying herbicides in the park as part of our invasive plant species control. This work will begin on Monday, May 21, 2007 and will continue for seven to twelve working days, weather permitting. Signs will be posted at entrances to Rockcrest Park during the spraying. The spraying will occur throughout Rockcrest Park from Broadwood Drive to the City limits, below Atlantic Avenue. The majority of the spraying is not within the highly traveled areas.

Spot spraying will be done by hand and will target only the invasive plants. The herbicides will be dry within two hours, maximum. Once dry they are not easily transferred to humans or pets. No spraying will occur during high wind periods. All herbicides being used are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use near streams and will be applied by a licensed contractor. The contractor will mostly spray Rodeo. Prosecutor, Garlon 4, and Arsenal will also be used. Material Safety Data Sheets will be available on site during spraying. This is the initial spraying and will be combined with mechanical removal as well. There will be up to seven additional spraying applications over a two-year period.

This invasive removal is an integral part of the stream restoration process and is a requirement of the Forest Conservation Plan. The removal of the invasive plants will help ensure the long-term health of the existing and new vegetation. A healthy forested buffer containing native plants protects the stream and provides habitat.

If you have any questions, please contact John Scabis, Rockville Public Works Engineer, 240-314-8514, jscabis@rockvillemd.gov