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number, such as the 2,500 sq. ft. discussed in option 1 above, or limit redevelopment of <br /> lawns voluntarily reduced in size. A similar program was developed by the Southern Nevada <br /> Water Authority. Although the focus of the program is on water conservation, residents who <br /> receive a rebate for replacing turf with drought tolerant plants are required to accept a <br /> restrictive covenant or conservation easement to ensure the conversion is sustained in <br /> perpetuity. <br /> Pros: Requiring a Deed Restriction places a greater level of emphasis on the importance of <br /> maintaining a lawn at a certain size and helps with the enforcement of lawn size restrictions. <br /> Cons: Implementing lawn size restrictions adds a layer of enforcement that some may find <br /> cumbersome. <br /> Ability to Measure Load Reduction: This approach adds to the certainty that any lawn size <br /> reductions or restrictions will be in place long term, adding to the ability to quantify a load <br /> reduction to the embayment. <br /> Effectiveness: Moderate to High <br /> 6. Develop a general bylaw requiring specific fertilizer application practices for all properties <br /> within the watershed. These could include restrictions on the timing of fertilizer applications <br /> such that they can only be applied during the growing season. Restrictions on applications <br /> near wetland resource areas, and on or near impervious surfaces could be developed as well. <br /> There could also be restrictions on applications immediately in advance of a rain event. A <br /> model bylaw was developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection(FL <br /> DEP) for fertilizer use on urban landscapes which addresses application practices (including <br /> timing of application), establishes a fertilizer-free zone, requires a soil test prior to fertilizer <br /> application, and establishes a training program for commercial and institutional applicators. <br /> Pros: A general bylaw provides a mechanism to standardize lawn care practices throughout <br /> the watershed and promotes the importance of proper fertilization use. It raises the <br /> importance of the outreach and education process needed to reduce fertilizer impacts on <br /> water quality. <br /> Cons: Enforcement of specific fertilization practices is difficult and requires municipal staff <br /> resources from each community to be effective. <br /> Ability to Measure Load Reduction: A specific load reduction will be difficult to quantify. <br /> However,this approach, combined with other non-regulatory and outreach efforts could be <br /> used to justify credit for a percentage reduction in the overall loading to Pleasant Bay from <br /> fertilizers. <br /> Effectiveness: Low to Moderate <br /> 7. Develop a general bylaw to require certification and training of landscapers and lawn care <br /> providers and set up a series of best management standard that they must follow. The <br /> Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan C-3 Horsley Witten Group, Inc. <br /> Final Report December 2010 <br />