UPDATED: "This Should Never Have Happened:" Resident Raises Alarm Over Herbicide Use at Will Baker Park

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. DECORAH — Concerns over pesticide and herbicide use in public parks drew renewed scrutiny during Monday's city council meeting, as a resident warned that chemical applications near a popular play area may have exposed children and families to potential health risks. Speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting, Steve McCargar described witnessing the application of a herbicide on April 28 at Will Baker Park, a 14-acre area commonly used for youth recreation. McCargar said a group of preschool children was nearby at the time and that the spraying contradicted what he characterized as a longstanding community understanding to avoid pesticide use in that space. *McCargar presented an article to the city council written by Eileen Gunn and Chip Osborne of the nonprofit Beyond Pesticides, as well as the safety data sheet for Prokoz Vessel™. According to the McCargar, the product applied, named Prokoz Vessel™, was a "three-way herbicide" containing chemicals including 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), MCPP (Mecoprop) and dicamba. He described these substances as potentially harmful to people, animals and plants beyond their intended targets. City officials later confirmed that a contracted lawn care company carried out the application. McCargar alleged that required warning signage was not present at the time, raising concerns about whether the public had been adequately notified of the treatment and its risks. "This should never have happened and must never happen again. The known risks of this formulation, especially for pregnant women, young children and immunocompromised people, were not communicated," McCargar stated, noting that families and children were using the field within days of the application. He added that the herbicide's toxicity can persist for up to two weeks and said children were playing on the grass four days after it was sprayed. City Manager Travis Goedken disputed part of that account during the meeting, stating that signage had in fact been posted around the perimeter following the application but was later removed by parks staff. Council members signaled interest in revisiting policies governing pesticide use. Council Member Emily Neal said she was "dismayed" by the incident and suggested the city consider adopting a formal ordinance to limit or prohibit certain herbicides in parks and recreational areas. She referenced past sustainability efforts that encouraged reduced chemical use and said clearer rules may now be necessary. Council Member Cody Whittle echoed concerns from constituents, saying he had received multiple messages about pesticide use and park safety. No immediate action was taken at the meeting, but council indicated that further discussion of pesticide practices and public notification requirements is expected to be added to the agenda at an upcoming session. *UPDATE: This story has been updated to include links to two documents presented by McCargar to the city council. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.