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• P_06 <br /> Integrated Pest Management for Urban Landscapes <br /> Box 8 -3: <br /> I.P.M. in a Restrictive Financial Environment <br /> The Eugene (Oregon) Parks and Recreation Department has earned <br /> recognition for the development and implementation of workable urban <br /> Integrated Pest Management methods for public grounds maintenance. The <br /> development was done without supplemental funding and within the regular <br /> budgetary frarneworks. <br /> The conversion to 1. P. M. has continued steadily since 1975 under <br /> restrictive budget guidelines that included a 16% reduction in staff. This II . <br /> indicates the feasibility of adopting 1.P. M. in a restricted financial environment. <br /> The Eugene program has a "build- down" approach to implementation in <br /> which I.P.M. is introduced gradually, with minimal financial Impact. The field <br /> staff is trained in 1.P.M. procedures and their judgrnent sought when choosing <br /> specific control actions. The feeling of "ownership" is a cost - effective route with <br /> a higher chance of success than if the program is imposed from the top down. <br /> Another route to keep costs low was to utilize assistance from <br /> government or foundation experts. Experiments are conducted with University <br /> departments and manufacturers on specific problems, and information is shared <br /> with other public agencies. <br /> The importance of low cost for long term maintenance is stressed during <br /> the design and construction of public facilities. There is always a temptation to <br /> stretch the funding by eliminating important details such as concrete <br /> underlayment of fence lines, adequate hard surfacing of parking lots, or proper <br /> soil preparation. This concern is addressed with a design review by <br /> maintenance staff. Desigh and construction for cost- effective long term <br /> maintenance is in the best public interest from the standpoint of efficiency and <br /> cost control, and reduces the need for chemical - intensive maintenance <br /> methods. <br /> Overall, realism is the key. What is done or left undone in the short run <br /> will determine the cost in the long run. _ _ _ <br /> Source: Rhay, T., "IPM In A Restrictive Financial Environment", Turf and Grounds Supervisor, Eugene <br /> OR. Mimeographed paper, undated. <br />