Clean Water Action

Pesticide Free Zones

Cape May County Freeholders, August 2007

The Cape May County Freeholders passed a resolution on Tuesday, August 15, 2005 formally designating Pesticide Free Zones (PFZ) in its parks and playgrounds.

Additionally, the resolution places PFZ ladybug signs at designated sites in its parks & playgrounds as part of an awareness campaign that the County hopes will encourage municipalities & private homeowners to adopt pest control practices that are consistent with the County's.

As a matter of policy and practice, Cape May County does not use pesticides in the maintenance of its parks or roadsides, in order to protect water quality and public health, especially the health of young children who are more vulnerable to the hazards of pesticides than adults.

Freeholder Director Beyel said, "Recognizing the importance of protecting the health of humans, wildlife and the environment, the Board with the input and support of residents, the NJ Department of Health and the NJ Environmental Federation formulated a pest management policy that we believe to be the safest and most economically and environmentally sound for the county."

Cape May County joins 11 other communities and Burlington County which have designated Pesticide Free Zones in parks including Clifton, Chatham, E. and W. Windsor, Hazlet, Irvington, Manasquan, Neptune, Ocean City, Pine Beach, and Wall.

According to Jane Nogaki, Program Coordinator for the NJ Environmental Federation, New Jersey uses about 4 million pounds of pesticides annually for lawn care, mosquito control, agricultural production and golf course maintenance. "We especially want to protect children because they are closer to pesticide applications on the ground, absorb more pesticides than adults, and their developing brains and immune systems are more vulnerable to toxic effects," Nogaki said. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to cancer, birth defects, asthma, autism and learning disorders.

Fortunately, alternatives exists that are cost effective and friendly to the environment, simple things like hand pulling weeds, mulching areas properly to prevent weeds, planting native plants that don't get insect problems, and reducing or eliminating lawns to cut down on the need for watering, fertilizing and mowing.

"We need residents to do their part in reducing pesticides in our environment and keeping our air, water and land safe from toxic chemicals," said Nogaki. "Residents can participate by making their own property a "Pesticide Free Zone."