Spraying Glyphosate-based weed killer (same ingredient as Roundup) on 56 acres of a heavily-used trail network in Rock Creek Park will adversely impact children, dogs and pregnant women who use the Park. There are documented cases of dogs suffering vomiting, seizures, coma, and near-death after contact with these chemicals.

In addition, spraying within 25 feet of waterways violates DC's Pesticide Education and Revisions Act of 2012. This Act is intended to protect aquatic life and water quality in Rock Creek, the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. We would appreciate if the National Park Service would respect's DC's environmental laws.

The proposed spray area is a wetland, immediately adjacent to the creek, and is a fragile ecosystem with amphibians and turtles which the Park is trying to protect.

Glyphosate-based herbicides are the number-one reported skin and eye irritants in California, the best data base we have for pesticide incident reporting. Spraying weed killers is a 1950's approach to a 2013 problem. Many other options exist compatible with the Park's budget to address invasive plants, including the extensive Weed Warrior volunteer programs.

Petition co-organized by Candy Cane Canines,

contact Julia Randall at: jrandall@rcn.com