Good news! To further support the landscape industry as an essential service, I am pleased to share that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included landscaping services in its most recent "Advisory memorandum on identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response." Read the full memorandum.

Below is the specific passage that includes our industry (found on page 10 of the memo):

PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES

• Workers who support the operation, inspection, and maintenance of essential public works facilities and operations, including bridges, water and sewer main breaks, fleet maintenance personnel, construction of critical or strategic infrastructure, traffic signal maintenance, emergency location services for buried utilities, maintenance of digital systems infrastructure supporting public works operations, and other emergent issues.
• Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, builders, contractors, HVAC Technicians, landscapers, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses and buildings such as hospitals, senior living facilities, any temporary construction required to support COVID-19 response.
• Workers who support, such as road and line clearing, to ensure the availability of and access to needed facilities, transportation, energy and communications.
• Support to ensure the effective removal, storage, and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste and hazardous waste, including landfill operations.
• Workers who support the operation, inspection, and maintenance of essential dams, locks and levees.
• Workers who support the inspection and maintenance of aids to navigation, and other government-provided services that ensure continued maritime commerce.

As an extra precaution, we suggest adding this information to the documents you provide to your crews. You should also share this document with your employees to assure them that your business is working within the allowable parameters.

If your crews encounter any significant issues while on a worksite, please share it with us at [email protected].

As always, ALCC continues to advocate for the landscape industry and preserve its right to continue to provide what we consider essential services to our community throughout the Coronavirus crisis. 

Please visit www.alcc.com/covid for information and resources. Follow our blog at www.alcc.com/legislation-advocacy-blog for regular updates. 

Warm regards,

John

John McMahon | Chief Executive Officer
Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Please note: This letter is not intended as legal advice. ALCC is not able to provide a legally binding interpretation of the law.