To: Board of Supervisors
From: Agricultural Commissioner
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Standard Agreement No. 22-1715-000-SG, Pest Detection Trapping Contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve Standard Agreement No. 22-1715-000-SG, known as the Pest Detection Trapping Program Contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture in the amount of $22,172.81 for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023;
2. Authorize the Chair to sign the original agreement, one (1) copy of the cover page, and the contractor certification, then return all signed copies to the Agricultural Commissioner’s office for further processing; and
3. Grant a waiver from the provisions of the Nuclear Free Ordinance.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) (1100-261)
DISCUSSION:
The waiver from the provisions of the Nuclear Free Ordinance is requested because the State of California will not modify its “standard agreements” to accommodate local ordinances. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office receives annual subventions from CDFA to offset the local costs associated with enforcing certain state-mandated programs. One of these programs, the Pest Detection Trapping Program is conducted annually by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and is intended to identify introductions of specific insect pests that are known to cause serious damage to agriculture or the environment. Humboldt County’s detection program is the local component of an annual state-wide effort by counties that target multiple species of known destructive insect pests.
Under the direction of CDFA, standard agreement No. 22-1715-000-SG provides funding for Humboldt County’s trapping survey and will focus on two “A-rated” pests, Spongy Moth and Japanese Beetle. The Spongy Moth Lymantria dispar is native to Europe and first identified in the United States in Massachusetts in 1869. The Spongy Moth is a significant pest because the caterpillars will feed on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. The caterpillars defoliate trees leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests which can eventually kill the tree. Established in the eastern United States, early detection of local introductions is essential for preventing their spread.
Another foreign invader, the Japanese beetle was first found in the United States in 1916 in New Jersey. Since then, Japanese beetles have spread throughout most states east of the Mississippi River. The Japanese Beetle is a highly destructive plant pest whose larvae feeds on grass roots damaging lawns, golf courses, and pastures. Japanese beetle adults attack the foliage, flowers, or fruits of more than 300 different ornamental and agricultural plants.
Each of these pests has the potential to cause significant damage to Humboldt County’s environment and could, if established, cause quarantine restrictions to be placed on Humboldt County timber and agricultural products. Agriculture Commissioner’s staff will place and inspect traps located throughout Humboldt County from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no net cost to Humboldt County for the Pest Detection Trapping Program. All costs for personnel, mileage, and supplies will be reimbursed by the contract. Standard agreement no. 22-1715-000-SG provides a total of $22,172.81 in funding for fiscal year 2022-23 for Agriculture Department activities related to the Pest Detection Trapping Program. No supplemental budget accompanies this request as revenue and expenditure accounts were previously budgeted in anticipation of this agreement. All costs are billed to CDFA on a monthly basis and payment is made in arrears to Humboldt County. This agreement is coming to your Board for approval after the effective date due to delays in receiving this agreement from CDFA.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by enforcing laws and regulations to protect residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CDFA
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve this agreement. However, this is not recommended as it would prevent the Agricultural Commissioner’s office from receiving reimbursement for these activities to protect Humboldt County agriculture.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Standard agreement no. 22-1715-000-SG
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A