University of South Florida St. Petersburg
OP-9: Landscape Management

The USFSP IPM includes sections on Pest Identification, monitoring the population, developing goals, and putting the IPM to work with evaluations. Details can be seen in the attached document.

We have two small areas on campus that are managed in accordance with organic land management practices. The total area of these combined areas in less than half an acre. One site is our Butterfly Garden which is not treated with any chemical fertilizers and has been designated by the National Wildlife Federation for developing an area trying to enhance the native bee and butterfly population. Furthermore, the other site is our organic permaculture garden containing native fruit trees and perennial vegetables. Both site are maintained by our Garden Club.

Part of USFSP's Master Plan: Objective 8.5. Protect identified native vegetative communities. Policy 8.5.1. USFSP shall protect any identified jurisdictional native vegetative communities from proposed development activities. These jurisdictional areas based upon the most recent Department of Environmental Protection criteria will be delineated prior to any proposed development. Policy 8.5.2. USFSP shall use plant species that are indigenous to the natural plant communities of the Tampa Bay area. In cases where noninvasive exotic plants are used to enhance the landscape, plantings shall be limited to those non-invasive species that are able to resist periods of drought and which require little fertilization and the use of pesticides. Policy 8.5.3. USFSP shall maintain and improve existing vegetative communities through the removal of ecologically undesirable vegetation. It is the intent of USFSP to remove all non-native invasive plants (whether grasses, shrubs or trees) which are identified on the Exotic Pest Plant Council's "Florida's Most Invasive Species List" from the campus grounds. As these species are located on the campus, USFSP shall coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other appropriate governmental entities to ensure the proper removal and disposal of these exotic species.

From USFSP Master Plan Policy 7.3.1. USFSP should identify the stormwater detention systems within the plaza or underground vault areas as "no build" zones. Policy 7.3.2. USFSP should implement a regular stormwater facility maintenance program to ensure adequate water quality and design capacity of the facilities. Objective 7.4. Maintain and protect the natural drainage patterns and hydrological patterns of the USFSP campus. Policy 7.3.3. USFSP should coordinate, as appropriate, with the host community regarding the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Policy 7.3.4. USFSP should mitigate University-generated stormwater and minimize stormwater-borne pollutants through the implementation of a system of Best Management Practices (BMPs), which includes, but is not limited to: • Incorporating stormwater management retention and detention features into the design of parks, commons, and open spaces, where such features do not detract from the recreational or aesthetic value of a site. • Use of slow release fertilizers and/or carefully managed fertilizer applications timed to ensure maximum root uptake and minimal surface water runoff or leaching to groundwater. • Educating maintenance personnel about the need to maintain motor vehicles to prevent the accumulation of grease, oil and other fluids on impervious surfaces, where they might be conveyed to surface and ground waters by runoff, and the need to regularly collect and dispose of yard debris. • Avoid the widespread application of broad spectrum pesticides by involving only purposeful and minimal application of pesticides, aimed at identified target species. • Coordinating pesticide application with irrigation practices to reduce runoff and leaching into groundwater. • Use of turf blocks and non-impervious surface treatments to minimize impervious surface area and reduce the flow of runoff pollutants. • Incorporating features into the design of fertilizer and pesticide storage, mixing and loading areas that are designed to prevent or minimize spillage. • Pursue licensing for grounds superintendents and staff to use restricted pesticides and to ensure that fertilizers will be selected and applied to minimize surface water runoff and leaching to ground water. Policy 7.3.5. It shall be the policy of USFSP that no stormwater discharges may cause or contribute to a violation of water quality or quantity standards in waters of the State. Post-development rates of discharge shall not exceed pre-development rates. Additional treatment must be provided since USFSP discharges into Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW). Policy 7.6.3. USFSP shall continue a water conservation program as follows: • Use of reclaimed water for irrigation. • Require the use of xeric landscaping techniques, including the maintenance or installation of selected vegetative species, low irrigation and compact hydrazone concepts, shall be required for all new building and ancillary facility construction. • Install a sub-metering system on existing and new facilities to be able to monitor accurately the amount of water being utilized in the various facilities. • The University shall create an awareness program of water usage utilizing the information above. • The irrigation system shall be upgraded to be controlled by a computerized, rain-sensitive system. • Use of collected stormwater or building "gray" water for landscape irrigation purposes shall be explored. • Use of efficient low water volume plumbing fixtures in new and renovated University buildings is being implemented

USFSP collects all landscape waste and sends it to a center where it is mulched and composted. Existing non-native invasive plants may be designated for removal from the campus grounds if such exotics are listed on the Exotic Plant Council's list of "Florida's Most Invasive Species". As these species are located on the campus, USFSP staff shall coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other appropriate governmental entities to ensure the proper removal and disposal of these exotic species.