Bernalillo County delays vote on glyphosate policy, sets March 25 deadline for vegetation-management plan

Bernalillo County commissioners on Feb. 25, 2025, unanimously voted to postpone consideration of a proposed resolution (AR 2025-26) that would rescind the county's 2019 glyphosate moratorium and allow temporary, targeted spot use of glyphosate while officials complete an Integrated Vegetation Management and Maintenance Plan.

The item drew extended public comment, technical presentations and questions from commissioners about enforcement, training and fiscal effects. After staff requested 30 days to incorporate additional input, a motion to defer consideration until the board's March 25 meeting passed 5-0.

Why it matters: County parks, road medians and other landscapes have seen increased weed growth since the 2019 moratorium, staff and union speakers said. The county's proposed plan would combine landscape design changes (converting problematic gravel/cobble xeriscapes to denser native plantings), nonchemical methods, and narrowly targeted herbicide applications as a temporary measure while longer-term alternatives are implemented. Supporters say the approach would reduce labor and safety risks for maintenance crews; opponents warned of health and environmental risks.

Staff presentation and proposal

County Manager Cindy Chavez introduced the item and said Parks, Recreation and Open Space sought a one-year extension to finish an Integrated Vegetation Management and Maintenance Plan. Natural Resources Section lead Colleen Bronson…