To the editor:

I have filed a complaint with the Kansas Department of Agriculture asking it to investigate improper herbicide application at Prairie Park Nature Center.

The director of Lawrence Parks and Recreation has acknowledged and apologized for the improper use of herbicide. He promised a thorough investigation of how this misuse occurred and said steps would be taken for correct herbicide use in the future.

Part of this response was that this misuse came from “a loss of institutional knowledge.” The only institutional knowledge that is required is to remember to follow the law.

Use of pesticides and herbicides is regulated and requires state certification as well as ongoing training. I have worked with a company that does large-scale prairie restoration. They used a variety of herbicides. A critical step they always took was to work closely with their chemical suppliers for proper herbicide selection. These suppliers are the experts. If the city’s suppliers are not helpful, we need new suppliers.

The city does not have to figure this stuff out each time. They just need to follow the law. These regulations spell out what chemicals can or cannot be used in specific situations. Then the city works with qualified suppliers to select the correct materials.

These chemicals can be dangerous. Our community needs and deserves a pesticide and herbicide program run in a serious, professional manner and not rely so much upon institutional knowledge such as Jim told Bob to tell Joe.

Steve Braswell,

Lawrence