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One quarter of the counties in New York have some type of IPM policy for county
facilities and have made progress in implementing IPM practices at these
facilities. What has hampered them in adopting more IPM practices is the lack of
knowledge and the lack of time to learn more. The Community IPM Program,
through local county Extension offices, is trying to deliver the
knowledge, but is limited by resources. The Program would like to
expand its educational outreach to schools, pest control operators,
municipalities, golf courses, and other community settings. If more
funds were available, the Community IPM Program would be able to put
into effect the following:
Five-Year Plan
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Develop and improve IPM programs for New York schools
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Design a process and educational program to assist county
and municipal governments in the adoption and implementation of
IPM practices
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Demonstrate and implement IPM methods with landscape
professionals and homeowners
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Demonstrate IPM concepts for management of golf course
turfgrass
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Train Master Gardeners and homeowners
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Develop an IPM
curriculum that students and teachers can use
Grants Program
An improved grants program would provide supplemental funding at the
local level, through Cornell Cooperative Extension, for
demonstrations of IPM methods and educational workshops. Such a
program would also support the development of new knowledge and
technology. In addition, a strong grants program would foster
implementation of IPM methods and evaluation of impacts.
Pest Diagnosis
Identifying pest problems is a difficult task, even for
professionals. Support will be required for diagnostic laboratories
in key county Extension facilities and at Cornell for pest
identification. Funds to improve diagnostic capabilities, especially
through electronic technology, are necessary.
Applied Research and Development
Developing new IPM methods and strategies is a critical component of
a Community IPM program. Support for an assistant professor with
research and extension responsibilities in the Department of
Entomology—Ithaca is integral to a team effort. Extension staff have
specifically requested help with the biological control components
of their demonstrations, a task that could be addressed by this
professional.
Production of Resource Materials
We have begun to network with other states with the goal of sharing
knowledge and resources. To ensure sound educational outreach for
New Yorkers, Extension educators will need brochures, fact sheets,
videotapes, computer training programs, curricula, and other
educational materials that can be used to teach a range of
audiences. |
