By signing the end of this outdoor IPM plan, the IPM coordinator, David Seiter, of this School and the Pest Management Professionals described above acknowledge, and agree to the terms of this OUTDOOR integrated pest management plan.

A. INTRODUCTION

In compliance with the Act Protecting Children and Families from Harmful Pesticides the Landmark School on 1/25/2010 10:02:00 AM has prepared the following outdoor IPM plan about pest control and pesticide use.

This plan describes the pest management practices for outdoor areas of Landmark School and clearly states it’s pesticide use policies.

A copy of the plan has been filed with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and at least one printed copy must be kept on site and made available to the public upon request.

By centralizing all of the information about this facility’s pest management practices the plan serves as a guide to direct this facility’s IPM coordinator,  David Seiter

Objectives
The objectives of the integrated pest management program conducted at the Landmark School are listed below.

	Reduce children’s exposure to pesticides and pesticide residues whenever possible.
	Manage pests that may occur on facilities to prevent interference with the learning environment of the students.
	Provide the safest playing or athletic surfaces possible.

In light of these objectives, the Landmark School has selected the following as it’s IPM policy statement.

B.POLICY STATEMENT

Structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems for people and property. Pesticides can pose risks to people, property, and the environment. It is therefore the policy of this school to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of structural and landscape pests. The objective of this program is to provide necessary pest control while minimizing pesticide use.

C. IPM COMMITTEE

The tasks set before an IPM committee are to:

	Develop an IPM plan. The IPM plan is in essence, a document that describes the organization and implementation of IPM on school grounds.
	Evaluate progress of the IPM program.
	Communicate about IPM - Facilitate communication within the school about IPM practices.
	Assist in development of contract specifications.
	Provide notification to parents about pesticide use.

The OUTDOOR committee members selected for the Landmark School are listed below:
1) David Seiter (Outdoor IPM Coordinator)
2) Rick Mello
3) Rick Sauriol
4) Georgianna El Heneidy
5) Robert Broudo

D. COMMUNICATING IPM WITHIN THE FACILITY

Pest Management Personnel to Building Staff:


The Pest Management Professional communicates with the IPM coordinator of the facility. The IPM coordinator then posts this information in a common viewing area dedicated to the subject of integrated pest management.

Staff/students communicate in writing to facilities staff who notify the IPM coordinator who then notifies the exterminator in the event of an emergency affecting buildings, athletic fields or health safety.

E. EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF FACILITY OCCUPANTS & STAFF

Staff and students will receive documents to read and will be given small group instruction on the Landmark IPM plan. They will also see posters displayed in common areas.

F. OUTDOOR MONITORING

The IPM plan will follow a Annually evaluation schedule. When pests are present, Landmark School has chosen an OUTDOOR monitoring schedule that consists of Weekly inspections. When pests are absent the OUTDOOR monitoring schedule will consist of Quarterly inspections.

The following technique will be used to monitor for pests:  Reports from facility staff and students (pest reporting forms) would prompt the IPM coordinator to contact the facility’s Pest Management Professional who would then conduct a facility audit.

G. COURSE OF ACTION TAKEN FOR OUTDOOR PESTS

Outdoor property includes the turf, landscaping, and the outdoor grounds such as building exterior, playground equipment, etc..  Landmark School has prepared maps of the outdoor facility and identified the following priority areas for maintenance:

Turf
The High School Soccer field and the EMS playing fields, Alexander Center lawns, the Prep and Governor's Landing, and lawns around Rimmer.

Landscaping
Landscaped areas around main academic buildings are priority areas: Alexander Center and Rimmer.

OutdoorGrounds
Swingset areas at both campuses, the ropes course at the Manchester campus, Landmark Pond, and building perimeters are areas that receive special attention in order to keep them functional.



The following pests have historically and/or currently been a problem at Landmark School:



TURF PESTS		LANDSCAPING AND PLANT PESTS		OUTDOOR GROUNDS PESTS
Insects/pests under the soil or root zone     Grubs (Japanese Beetles, European Chafer, Asiatic Garden Beetles, Oriental Beetles, and other) Weeds     Crabgrass     Dandelions, plaintains, ground ivy, cinquefoil Other		Insects and Related Pests     Aphids and adelgids     Gypsy Moth Weeds     Crabgrass Tree and Shrub Diseases     Powdery Mildew     Rust     Anthracnose Other		Insects observed in and around outdoor grounds of school property.     Mosquitoes & Flies     Stinging Insects Insects in playground area (if applicable)     Yellow Jackets Weeds Noxious weeds noticed on the school grounds     Poison Ivy Other




TURF MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following areas are priority areas for maintenance: The High School Soccer field and the EMS playing fields, Alexander Center lawns, the Prep and Governor's Landing, and lawns around Rimmer.

Cultural Practices

Mowing:
All lawns are mowed no closer than 3" and clippings are left to feed the turf. Mower blades are sharpened regularly and scheduled by the supervisor of grounds. Priority areas are mowed twice weekly during active growing season.

Aeration:
Aeration is done monthly in major turf areas such as athletic surfaces and high visibility lawns and on other areas as compaction warrants, using a variety of methods such as dethatching, core aeration and slice seeding. As needed, deep tine aeration and shatter aeration is done by an outside contractor.

Water Management:
Major fields and lawn areas are watered by irrigation systems with controlled morning watering each day. The playing field system at the high school has a rain sensor. One system is from an underground well. Otherwise watering is done in the morning by hand held hose.

Fertilization:
Priority areas and/or lawns having evident difficulty are tested every year by the UMass soil test lab, providing us with recommendations for fertilizer and soil amendments. Only organic fertilizers are used at Landmark, including compost tea which enhances the soil biology. Selection of the organic fertilizer is made by the grounds supervisor after receiving soil test results.

Equipment Maintenance:
Grounds equipment is maintained by grounds staff and local repair shops on an annual basis or as needed. Debris is brushed, blown or washed off as needed. Machines are greased regularly. Oil and filters are changed regularly.



Turfgrass diseases


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.


Provide information on how you diagnosed the pests above.


Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.


Describe any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used, if any.


If you use fungicides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.


Insects/pests under the soil or root zone
Grubs (Japanese Beetles, European Chafer, Asiatic Garden Beetles, Oriental Beetles, and other)


Surface and/or thatch pests


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
The grounds crew looks for grubs periodically, although Landmark has not had a serious grub infestation in recent years.

Provide information on how you identified the species of pests above.
Grubs are easily identified by trained staff with access to books, the internet and lawn care contractor assistance.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.
The turf areas are aerated regularly and dethatched as needed. Priority turf is irrigated to keep it healthy.

Describe any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used, if any.
Compost tea with nematodes is applied in the fall for natural grub control when the grubs are most susceptible.

If you use insecticides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
Insecticide would only be used in the event that an infestation would render the field very dangerous or unusable.

Weeds
Crabgrass
Dandelions, plaintains, ground ivy, cinquefoil


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
Grounds staff monitor the lawn areas each time they mow.

Provide information on how you identified the species of pests above.
Crab grass, knotweed and dandelions are easily identified by trained staff with access to books, the internet and lawn care contractor assistance.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.
Organic fertilizer application, composting and proper amounts of water encourage substantial grass growth and discourages weed growth. Significant patches of weeds are dug out and the area is then top-dressed and re-seeded, or new sod is laid.

Describe any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used, if any.
Composting is done on the playing field as autumn compost tea applications encourage denser turf.

If you use herbicides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
No pesticides are used to control weeds.



LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following areas are priority areas for maintenance: Landscaped areas around main academic buildings are priority areas: Alexander Center and Rimmer.

Cultural Practices

Monitoring Program:
Monitoring is done by the grounds supervisor (who is supported by grounds staff) regularly as gardens, walkways, roadways, lawns and buildings are maintained.

Soil Maintenance:
Soil samples from priority lawns are submitted to the UMass soil lab to determine the best organic fertilizer for major lawn areas. Non-priority lawns are mowed regularly and fertilized occasionally. When problems become evident (eg excessive moss, yellowish grass), soil samples are tested and a turf area is renovated. Soils in garden beds are not tested nor fertilized - plants are chosen to match the sunlight exposure and type of site, eliminating the need to amend the soils.

Fertilizer Use Practices:
Landscaped areas do not receive fertilizer.

Plant Care:
Only hardy plants that are matched to the planting locations are planted at Landmark. Each garden area is mulched to retain moisture and discourage weed growth. Garden areas are not fertilized or watered. Sometimes corn gluten meal is applied to prevent weed seed germination, too. Many garden areas are subject to "selective weeding." That is, only some species of weeds/wildflowers are removed, allowing the others to fill in the space. This makes for a very natural looking, low-maintenance, problem free area that is also attractive.

Watering:
Irrigation systems provide daily water for major lawn areas during the summer months. Watering times are determined by the grounds supervisor. Other plantings are not watered, except when new plantings require water to become established.



Tree and Shrub Diseases
Anthracnose
Powdery Mildew
Rust


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
The grounds supervisor monitors trees and shrubs for diseases irregularly.

Provide information on how you diagnosed the pests above.
Outside tree and landscape contractors assist with disease identification.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.
Unsightly or dangerous trees and shrubs that are ravaged by disease/insects are simply removed.

If you use fungicides, describe your rationale for using them in for the pests above.
Landmark does not employ fungicides.

Describe or identify any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used
None at this time.

Insects and Related Pests
Aphids and adelgids
Gypsy Moth


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
The grounds supervisor, utilizing landscaping contractor assistance when needed, scouts for landscape pests regularly while maintaining the gardens, lawns, etc.

Provide information on how you identified the species of the pests above.
The pests noticed are identified by trained staff with outside landscape or pest control contractor assistance when necessary.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures you have taken to manage the pests above.
Seriously affected trees and shrubs have been removed to prevent the spread of pests. Hardy, disease resistant varieties that are carefully chosen to match the planting site are planted instead.

If you use insecticides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
Landmark has not and does not plan to deal with these pests with pesticides.

Describe or identify any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used
None at this time.

Weeds
Crabgrass


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
The grounds supervisor regularly monitors the garden areas for weeds.

Provide information on how you identified the species of the pests above.
Weeds are distinguished from desirable plants by trained staff with access to books, the internet and outside contractor assistance when necessary.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.
All weeds are hand pulled or mowed. After weeding a garden bed, sometimes corn gluten meal (seed germination prevention) is applied to delay the return of weeds.

If you use herbicides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
Landmark does not employ herbicides for weed control.

Describe or identify any alternative management or biological strategies being used or planned to be used
"Selective weeding" turns high-maintenance weedy areas into attractive, natural-looking garden areas.



OUTDOOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following areas are priority areas for maintenance: Swingset areas at both campuses, the ropes course at the Manchester campus, Landmark Pond, and building perimeters are areas that receive special attention in order to keep them functional.

Cultural Practices

OUTDOOR GROUNDS GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Waste Disposal (trash containers and dumpsters):
Waste removal is contracted and dumpsters are cleaned as needed by the contractor. There is one trash compactor which is steam cleaned once a year or whenever necessary. Campus trash is picked up daily by grounds staff.

Light Management:
Lighting is kept to a minimum while maintaining sufficient levels of security. Lights are on timers and/or photocells eliminating needless burning of lights during the day.

Excess Water Prevention:
All sources of stagnant water (spare buckets, clogged gutters, spare tires, etc) are eliminated by either maintenance or grounds staff.

Noxious Weed Management:
Poison ivy is a recurrent problem, especially in the woods on the ropes course. Regular scouting identifies problems early, when the majority of plants can be pulled by hand, without the use of pesticides. If necessary, Roundup is used to control large patches of poison ivy that cannot be pulled up by hand.

Playgrounds (if applicable):
Wasps and bees have been a problem and will be controlled if possible by eliminating the nesting place. Since many of our population have life threatening reactions to stings, pesticides may be employed after attempting environmentally friendlier options if there is an infestation. Most problems are avoided by regular scouting of known problem areas (eg sheds) and other standard IPM practices (eg keeping the mortar in masonry walls intact).

Nuisance weeds in pavement:
This is not an issue.

Storage Sheds (If applicable):
Most storage sheds are metal containers which are monitored for problems. Wooden sheds are also monitored for intrusion.



Insects observed in and around outdoor grounds of school property.
Mosquitoes & Flies
Stinging Insects


Pests
Mosquitoes & Flies
Stinging Insects


Insects in playground area (if applicable)
Yellow Jackets


Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
Monitoring information is provided by grounds, maintenance, health center staff and staff and students. The grounds supervisor regularly scouts as work is done on the campuses. The Northeast District Mosquito Control Board is usually called in the summer to scout for mosquito problems.

Provide information on how you identified the species of the pests above.
Assistance with species identification is provided by pest professionals from General Environmental Services.

Provide details on the non-chemical control measures you have taken to manage the pests above.
Landmark has attempted to eliminate all nests by filling holes in walls or eliminating water sources. Nests have been knocked down repeatedly until stinging insects relocate. Also, poison free stinging insect killer (active ingredient is mint oil) is often used to annoy the insects into relocating. To control mosquitoes, rain gutters are kept clear, old tires, tree stumps or pails are removed so that they will not hold stagnant water. Outdoor water features are kept clear of water when not in use. Hemlocks affected by wooly adelgid have been removed when dead or near-dead but no attempt has been made to eradicate the pest itself.

If you use insecticides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
We have many students and staff on our pedestrian campuses for whom stinging insects are a life-threatening pest. A nest in a high traffic area is a serious health hazard. No pesticide has been used nor are we planning to use any pesticide for the wooly adelgid on the hemlock trees.

Pesticide Product Name	Active Ingredient	EPA Registration Number	Target Pest	Rationale for use
Maxforce carpenter ant bait	fpronil	64248-21	ants	infestation
Maxforce ant killer bait gel	hydramethylnon	64248-2	ants	infestation
Drax and bait gel	orthoboric acid	9444-131	ants	infestation
Anvil 10+10	Sumithrin	1021688329	mosquitoes	mosquito control
Suspend SC	Deltamethrin	432-763	mosquitoes	mosquito control
AltosidWSP	methoprene	2724-448	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Vectolex WSP	Bacillus sphaericus	73049-403	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Duet	prallethin; sumthrin; piperonyl butoxide	1021-1795-8329	mosquitoes	mosquito control
Teknar G	Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-403	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Altosid Pellets	Methoprene	2724-448-64833	Mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Vectobac G	Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-10	Mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Do it Best Wasp and Hornet Killer	tetramethrin and sumithrin	1021-1780-75111	bees and wasps	avoid allergic reactions to stings
VectoMax WSP	Bacillus sphaericus; Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-429	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Fourstar Briquets 90	Bacillus sphaericus; Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	83362-3	mosquito larvae	mosquito control




• Insecticides are only applied by a certified and/or licensed applicator. 
• Insecticides are used only when monitoring has shown that insects are present. 
• Selective insecticides are used where possible instead of broad spectrum insecticides. 
• Insecticide chemical classes are rotated. 
• Insecticide Use is documented in the STANDARD WRITTEN NOTIFICATION FORM. 

  Weeds
  Noxious weeds noticed on the school grounds
  Poison Ivy
  

  Describe the monitoring technique you used for the pests above.
  The grounds supervisor monitors progress of weeds regularly by visual inspection.

  Provide information on how you identified the species of the pests above.
  If needed, weed identification is determined with assistance from Flagg Landscaping.

  Provide details on the non-chemical control measures have you taken to manage the pests above.
  Weeds are not a concern in our outdoor action plan, as they are a normal part of the outdoors.

  If you use herbicides, describe your rationale for using them for the pests above.
  Only poison ivy is treated and only when it presents a health hazard. Algae in the water features/fountains is treated with Green Clean Tablets (active ingredient sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate).

  Pesticide Product Name	Active Ingredient	EPA Registration Number	Target Pest	Rationale for use
  Roundup	glyphosphate; triclopyr triethylamine salt	71995-36	poison ivy	health hazard
  Green Clean Tablets	sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate	70299-10	water algae	health of water features

  
  

• Herbicides are only applied by a certified and/or licensed applicator. 
• Herbicides are applied as a spot treatment when appropriate. 
• Herbicide Use is documented in the STANDARD WRITTEN NOTIFICATION FORM. 

H. RECORD KEEPING

In the case of Landmark School, OUTDOOR monitoring records will be maintained through: Facilities staff will notify the IPM coordinator who will maintian a log of monitoring activity.

I. EVALUATING THE PROGRAM

The IPM plan will be evaluated on a Annually basis.

J. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS & EXEMPTIONS

During the creation of this IPM plan, David Seiter has assigned committee member David Seiter with the responsibility of assembling and issuing all the documents that accompany the standard written notification whenever pesticides are applied outdoors.

K. IN THE EVENT OF A HEALTH EMERGENCY

During the creation of this IPM plan, David Seiter has assigned committee member David Seiter with the responsibility of applying for an emergency waiver.

L. LIST OF PESTICIDES TO BE USED OUTSIDE THE FACILITY

The following list includes all the pesticides that will be used outside Landmark School. This list includes all herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides that will be used in the event that chemical is required.



Pesticide Product Name	Active Ingredient	EPA Registration Number	Target Pest	Rationale for use
Altosid Pellets	Methoprene	2724-448-64833	Mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Vectobac G	Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-10	Mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Do it Best Wasp and Hornet Killer	tetramethrin and sumithrin	1021-1780-75111	bees and wasps	avoid allergic reactions to stings
VectoMax WSP	Bacillus sphaericus; Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-429	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Fourstar Briquets 90	Bacillus sphaericus; Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	83362-3	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Roundup	glyphosphate; triclopyr triethylamine salt	71995-36	poison ivy	health hazard
Green Clean Tablets	sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate	70299-10	water algae	health of water features
Maxforce carpenter ant bait	fpronil	64248-21	ants	infestation
Maxforce ant killer bait gel	hydramethylnon	64248-2	ants	infestation
Drax and bait gel	orthoboric acid	9444-131	ants	infestation
Anvil 10+10	Sumithrin	1021688329	mosquitoes	mosquito control
Suspend SC	Deltamethrin	432-763	mosquitoes	mosquito control
AltosidWSP	methoprene	2724-448	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Vectolex WSP	Bacillus sphaericus	73049-403	mosquito larvae	mosquito control
Duet	prallethin; sumthrin; piperonyl butoxide	1021-1795-8329	mosquitoes	mosquito control
Teknar G	Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	73049-403	mosquito larvae	mosquito control

M. WELL WATER SYSTEM

The school does not have its own on site well water system.

I attest, to the best of my knowledge, that the above information is complete, accurate and true

________________________________________________	__/______/___
IPM Coordinator Signature	Date
________________________________________________	__/______/___
Administrator, Director, or Principal	Date

Outdoor IPM Plan originally submitted on: 4/1/2005 11:41:00 AM
Plan updated by David Seiter on: 1/25/2010 10:02:00 AM