Updates to Pesticide Labels and Mitigation Options; Protection for Endangered Species

Whenever pesticides are used, we have a responsibility to make sure they are used safely and do not cause harm to people, wildlife or the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is increasing efforts to make sure pesticide impacts are minimal, especially for species that have been listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The amount of space on pesticide labels is limited so the EPA is starting to use online bulletins to provide additional details when needed. Continue reading labels; the need to access a  bulletin will be mentioned on the product label. 

The online bulletins will often require additional mitigation methods be in place before a product can be used. A “menu” of mitigation options has been shared by the EPA. Products have been evaluated for their toxicity, and more toxic products will require more mitigations before they are used. 

Pesticide applicators or landowners may choose which options to use—several options may be needed for some products. Some of the practices, such as having a buffer strip between fields where the pesticide is used and critical habitat—may take a little time, planning and collaboration to implement. However, it is worth noting that many of the mitigation options fit requirements for multiple pesticide products. For example, as herbicides are (ideally) rotated from year to year, the mitigation options can remain the same between years.

There are two ways to prepare to continue using your preferred pesticides. First, become familiar with  the new Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) online database and look up the products you are interested in using, along with the locations where you apply pesticides.

If the area you spray falls within a pesticide use limitation area (PULA: an area that has been identified as essential habitat for an endangered or threatened species), you may need to have more mitigation options in place before spraying. 

The second way to prepare is to consider which of the mitigation options may be most useful in the areas you own or spray. You may even want to make plans to implement some of these options. This menu of mitigation options is also called the “pick list” by the EPA. You have likely heard of many of the options before in relation to preventing soil loss and protecting adjacent habitat, and you may even have some implemented already. The goal is to reduce movement of the pesticide so it stays where it is applied, providing the most benefit for farmers and the least impact to wildlife and water quality.

Tips for Following Pesticide Application Rules (with Proof)

• Always read the pesticide label. 
• If the label directs you to the Bulletins Live online database, be sure to access the database before every pesticide application.
• Print the bulletin so you have proof that you met mitigation standards when you sprayed
• Review and print the bulletin early, as far as 6 months in advance. Online bulletins are being revised frequently so having the print version can be used to prove you met mitigation standards even if a product’s rules become more strict after you read the bulletin

Useful Webinars

Learn more about the Endangered Species Act and the efforts to encourage mitigation activities to protect wildlife when pesticides are used.