New Webinar: Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins

There’s a national effort to provide better protection for species that are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. What does this mean for landowners and pesticide applicators? Find out with Dr. Gretchen Paluch, pesticide bureau chief at Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

In the November Pests and Progress webinar called, “New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins (Oh My),” Dr. Paluch described several new EPA resources that relate to and support the Endangered Species Act. These resources include the EPA’s workplan, Herbicide Strategy, and Vulnerable Species Plan.  The Rodenticide Strategy was recently completed, and an insecticide strategy is in progress. 

Before using pesticides, be sure to read the product label. The label may specify when efforts to reduce runoff or spray drift are required. However, locations that include endangered or listed wildlife species, or even their habitats, may require additional mitigation effort before pesticides can be used. 

When needed, the product label will direct you to the Bulletins Live! Two website. There you will search using both the product registration number and the location you intend to apply the product. Be sure to print a copy of the bulletin to prove you completed this step.

The sooner you use the Bulletins Live website to print your bulletin, the better. You may print the bulletin up to six months before you spray. Depending on the product you are using, you may need to implement changes, or mitigation strategies, to protect the environment and wildlife before you can apply pesticides.  

Fortunately, there are a number of mitigation options so landowners have choices about which ones to implement. Dr. Paluch shared the Mitigation Menu that is available from the EPA.

Landowners are likely going to need support interpreting the new practices and mitigations. Both commercial and private pesticide applicators need to know how to use the Bulletins Live! Two website. This webinar will help you prepare.

The North Central IPM Center is working to help agricultural professionals understand online bulletins and the need for advance planning and mitigations. Additional resources include:

• Resource summary: Updates to Pesticide Labels and Mitigation Options; Protection for Endangered Species
• Webinar: Back to Basics on Endangered Species Conservation

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