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USAG-Alaska, Fort Greely Child and Youth Services IPM STAR Certified 2008-2010
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October 7, 2008 The Child and Youth Services Program at USAG-Alaska, Fort Greely has earned IPM STAR certification after passing a comprehensive, 37-point inspection. IPM STAR is the only IPM accreditation program for schools and childcare/youth services facilities that uses a rigorous, on-site evaluation of policies, practices and conditions to verify a high standard for IPM. More than two million children have benefited from reductions in pest problems and pesticide use under IPM STAR since 2003. IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, an approach to solving pest problems by using our knowledge about pests to prevent them from infesting buildings and interfering with our livelihood or enjoyment of life. IPM means responding to pest problems with the most effective, least-risk option. Mr. Wayne Tolliver, Fort Greely's Environmental Chief, makes inspection a priority. Vulnerable areas such as food preparation and service are inspected monthly to ensure that potential pest problems can't take hold. All facilities undergo quarterly inspections to check that sanitation and maintenance issues are remedied promptly. In addition, the garrison's contracted pest management company conducts independent monthly inspections. During these regular inspections, the technician reviews each facility's pest sighting log to ensure that all problem areas have been taken care of and none are accidentally ignored. Staff and students are knowledgeable about the garrison's IPM program and contribute to its success by making note of any and all pests they see. IPM at Fort Greely is a cooperative effort! When pest-conducive conditions do arise, they are promptly remedied. The garrison relies primarily on sanitation and exclusion to solve pest problems by taking away pests' access to the food, water, and shelter they need to survive indoors – at Fort Greely, all drains and hard-to-reach areas were recently placed on a cleaning schedule to ensure top-notch sanitation. Simple solutions like replacing door sweeps and seals or trimming vegetation away from exterior walls can stop pests from entering buildings. At the garrison's award ceremony, LTC Sandra Alvey gave remarks, representing the Department of Defense (DoD) as CHAIR, DoD Armed Forces Pest Management Board, the Department of the Army, the Installation Management Command (IMCOM)/Family Morale Welfare Recreation Command (FMWRC) and the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine-Pacific (USACHPPM-PAC). She highlighted the outstanding achievements of the garrison's installation pest management, preventive medicine services, environmental, and Child & Youth Services program staff. LTC Alvey also emphasized the Army's commitment to the well-being of its soldiers and their family members. Each garrison earning IPM STAR certification is a tangible example of this commitment to the Army's family covenant mission. IPM Star is operated by the IPM Institute of North America, an independent non-profit organization. The program was developed with support from the USDA IPM Program and the US EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. Support for IPM STAR in the US Army Child and Youth Services Program is provided by the US Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)/ Family Morale Welfare Recreation Command and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The effort is being implemented by the US Army Center for Health Promotion Preventive Medicine and coordinated with the US Army Environmental Command and the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. - Prepared as part of the IPM STAR Certification Process by the IPM Institute of North America for posting on its website with permission from Fort Greely. |
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