Bernalillo County delays glyphosate policy, approves off‑duty medical cannabis MOA for firefighters

The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25, 2025, voted 5–0 to postpone action on a proposed replacement to the county's 2019 glyphosate moratorium and approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that permits off‑duty medical cannabis use by county firefighters by a 5–0 vote.

County leaders said the two items represent competing priorities: the glyphosate resolution aims to restore limited, targeted herbicide use while a broader integrated vegetation management plan is completed; the MOA responds to firefighter requests for access to medical cannabis as part of treatment for job‑related injuries and trauma.

Commissioners deferred the glyphosate resolution AR2025‑26 until the March 25 meeting so staff can continue public engagement and refine an integrated vegetation management and maintenance plan. "We're seeking an additional year to finalize that, integrated vegetation management and maintenance plan," Natural Resources Section staffer Colleen Bronson told the commission during a staff presentation. Bronson said the plan will expand the county's integrated pest‑management approach, include landscape design standards aimed at converting problematic gravel/cobble xeriscapes to more resilient native plantings, and provide a capital improvement plan for landscape conversions.

The item drew public comment from residents and organized stakeholders. Peggy Norton, who said she served on the steering committee that helped draft the resolution, described the proposal as a "reasonable compromise" that extends the moratorium while allowing temporary spot use in high‑need areas and continuing community engagement. County staff emphasized the proposed spot use would be targeted — not blanket spraying —…