FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2004

CONTACTS:
Michael Harrison, Francesconi's Office, 503-823-4128 (phone), 503-955-0607 (pager)
Megan Kemple Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, 541-344-5044 ext. 17 (phone)

Portland, Oregon - Today, City of Portland Parks Commissioner Jim Francesconi, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP), and the Willamette Riverkeeper announced the creation of three "pesticide free" City parks. The announcement took place in Southeast Portland's Sewallcrest Park, and culminated with the partners driving a sign into the ground designating Sewallcrest the first Portland "pesticide free" park.

The "pesticide free" program is a part of a three-year study which seeks to minimize the amount of pesticides and chemicals used in the maintenance of city parks. In addition to the three "pesticide free" parks, three other parks will be selected as testing grounds for the use of organic pesticide alternatives, like vinegar and natural soaps, in fighting weeds.

Though Portland currently limits the amount of pesticides they use as a part of their nationally renowned Integrated Pest Management program, Parks Commissioner Francesconi agrees further reductions are important. "The City asks citizens to protect the environment and it's critical that we walk our talk. I'm excited to be able to take our environmental stewardship to the next level," said Parks Commissioner Jim Francesconi.

"The Willamette River, home to threatened salmon, is contaminated with pesticides. There is a real need for local governments to step up and reduce pesticide use." Says Pollyanna Lind, Pesticide Issue Coordinator, for the Sierra Club, Oregon Chapter.

"We feel this is an important next step that adds to Portland's exemplary effort to reduce toxics in our environment," said Bob Sallinger, Portland Audubon Society.

"All of us that depend on clean water and clean air appreciate the city's effort to reduce pesticide use. Establishing several pesticide-free parks is an important step in this direction," said Megan Kemple, Public Education Coordinator, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides.

The US Geological Survey found 50 different pesticides in the Willamette River and its tributaries. Eleven pesticides were above levels set to protect aquatic life.

Seattle's Pesticide-Free Program: http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/Horticulture/pesticide.htm

Santa Barbara's IPM policy: http://www.santa-barbara.ca.us/public_information/pdf/IPM-Strategy-Final-Version.pdf

For additional links to other pesticide free programs, contact Pollyanna Lind, NCAP, salmonpesticide.org or (541) 344-5044 ext 17.