Hazlet bans pesticide use in sections of parks

BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer

The new environmentally friendly ladybug logo, which will be posted at all Hazlet parks, notifies the public of "Pesticide-Free Zones." Hazlet is the first municipality in Monmouth County to have such a policy. HAZLET - As part of a statewide campaign to reduce pesticide exposure to children, Hazlet has become the first township in the county to employ pesticide-free zones in its parks.

New Jersey Environmental Federation Pesticide Program Coordinator Jane Nogaki said that Hazlet should not have much of a problem complying with the new rules.

"Hazlet is a place where pesticides aren't used very much, so this isn't a drastic change for them," Nogaki said.

Nogaki said that a resolution passed on Sept. 19 was the final step in a process that started many months ago.

"We asked people to write to their mayors in their towns, letting them know that they wanted to see a change," Nogaki said.

"In Monmouth, places like Wall and Neptune are going to try and get on board as well," she said.

Nogaki said that people in the township have been very receptive to the idea.

"People are cognizant of what is occurring in town and they are glad that things are changing," Nogaki said.

Only certain areas of parks, such as tot lots and natural areas will be pesticide-free.

"For now, pesticides are still being used on playing fields because those areas really need to be maintained a certain way. Eventually we want all parks to go 100 percent pesticide free," Nogaki said.

Mayor Michael Sachs noted that Nogaki has put in plenty of effort locally to help the cause.

"She's been working hard and it's good to see that this got done in Hazlet," Sachs said.

"I'm sure once other municipalities see what we've done, they'll follow along as well," Sachs said.