Beyond Pesticides has offered to evaluate microbial activity and soil composition at four diverse county parks, then recommend economically viable, pesticide-free alternatives for turf maintenance.

WAILUKU – County Councilmember Elle Cochran last week urged support for a proposal from the county Department of Parks and Recreation to conduct soil analysis and training toward organic land management on select county parks, her office announced.

The proposal would accept a donation from nonprofit Beyond Pesticides to evaluate microbial activity and soil composition at four diverse county parks, then recommend economically viable, pesticide-free alternatives for turf maintenance.

Cochran said she commends the department’s direction on the proposal and looks forward to helping expedite the required council approval of such donation.

“I am pleased we’re considering a step towards safer, more eco-friendly operations in our parks, which includes training for a potential transition plan,” Cochran said. “Immediate council action would allow the Parks Department to implement the proposal in coordination with Beyond Pesticides’ schedule.”

According to Cochran, Beyond Pesticides officials said the nonprofit has conducted similar tests in other jurisdictions nationwide and has a busy schedule in the summer months across the country.

“We might miss a golden opportunity here, and I want to help get this going,” she said.

The item is County Communication 17-100, which the council was expected to discuss on Friday. For the latest news, follow @mauicounty on Twitter.