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Public Safety

Goal 1: Utilize Targeted Initiatives and Industry
Best Practices and Policies to Foster a Safe Environment
Objective 2: Protect Public Well‐being
Project Performance Measure(s) City Service Team (Department)
Core Vegetation Management for Total Aircraft Operations Economic Development and Capital
PS Wildlife Control Investment (Aviation)
1.2.2
Summary:

Arlington Municipal Airport has begun a program to decrease the number of bird strikes by identifying, and eradicating,
plant species growing close to runways and taxiways, which represent a food source that attracts birds. The first step was to
identify the species of birds that posed the highest risk to aircraft operations. Next, the Airport contracted with an
agronymist to identify the plant species, growing close to the runway and taxiway system, that these birds seek out for food.
Nexus Solutions then formulated a herbicidal blend that would reduce the growth of these seed‐producing plants and
applied it within the Airport’s critical areas. Bird counts in the aircraft movement area were well below the 2017 levels. The
secondary goal of the project was to reduce the annual number of mowing cycles. Last year, mowing cycles were reduced
by 50%.

Update:
Bird count estimates taken quarterly, and verified by a qualified wildlife biologist show that both the numbers of nuisance
species present, and duration of stay during migration, have been reduced. A vendor was selected to continue the project.

Vegetation Management for Wildlife Control
Fall Survey of Attractants

Winter Survey of Attractants

Spring Survey of Attractants

Summer Survey of Attractants

Herbide Contract Bid
Count of Nuisance Species
10/17 1/18 4/18 7/18 10/18 1/19 4/19 7/19

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