EXTENSION REACHING MANY THROUGH PESTICIDE TRAININGS
Extension Education
Kellie Chichester
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING EXTENSION
Lusk
Abstract
\r\n Laramie, Wyoming is home to portions of the Casper Formation Aquifer. This aquifer supplies approximately 60% of the city of Laramie’s drinking water supply through wells. It is imperative that individuals living in and around the aquifer’s recharge zone do all that they can to protect the water supply, as well as avian, wildlife and aquatic species. The University of Wyoming Extension Educator in Albany County has worked to provide trainings for private pesticide applicators since 2007, to decrease the risk of pesticide contamination to the aquifer. Trainings are held each spring before the expiration of the five year license issued by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to the applicant. All trainings cover principals of pest control, pesticide labeling, personal protective clothing, calibration, pasture management, proper laundering of laundry and much more. The educator works to ensure all participants have the knowledge to safely and effectively apply pesticides in a manner consistent with the labeling. With the movement toward online testing, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture has provided each county extension office with a computer to administer pesticide license tests for both private and commercial applicants. The online testing provides an instant pass or fail to the examiners. This option is primarily being used for the commercial applicator licenses. Extension spends many hours state wide ensuring those attending the meetings are properly trained to not only protect their water resources, but land resources and their families. In this five year span, 102 private pesticide licenses have been issued.
\r\n
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: K.A. Chichester
-
Chichester, K. Extension Educator, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, 82070