The management of organic parks in Durango may take on more nuance after city soil tests and a review of chemicals used in parks.
The Durango City Council reviewed options for revising the organic parks program Tuesday, but councilors decided not to make a decision until Tony Koski, a turf specialist with Colorado State University, can visit in April and give the city a recommendation.
The city started a three-year trial program for organically managed parks in 2013, and staff members and residents have noticed some decline in turf quality. However, many residents have advocated for years keeping at least some parks free of synthetic chemicals, and Mayor Christina Rinderle emphasized the intent of the council to preserve those options. Eight organic parks are in the program. “The goal is to have a balance for the community,” Rinderle said.
Koski examined soil samples from organic and inorganic parks and found the health of each to be the same. He told the council it is likely that the organic parks have likely not been receiving enough nitrogen, and adjusting the organic products may require significantly more money.
Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz suggested just Pioneer Park remain in an organic program designed by Koski because of the potential increase in cost. Another option would be to manage Pioneer, Riverfront and Iris parks within the new organic program, she said.
Other parks could be managed conventionally or by using synthetic fertilizer and spot-treating weeds with products that do not contain 2,4-D and glyphosate.
Rosalind Penney, an environmental health specialist with San Juan Basin Public Health, reviewed all the chemicals the city uses. She found that some studies have shown links between 2,4-D, glyphosate and cancer, while other studies refute these links.
No clear way to assess the effects of exposure to pesticides in parks to health exists because people are exposed to so many other chemicals, she said.
“This does not mean there is no risk,” she said.
San Juan Basin Public Health Executive Director Liane Jollon asked the council to consider management options that might address these two chemicals rather than the distinction between organic and synthetic.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
