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Increasing Understanding of EPA’s Endangered Species Protection Program Mitigation Measures on Maryland's Eastern Shore..

Extension Education

Emily Zobel
Associate Agent for Agriculture and Food Systems
University of Maryland Extension
Cambridge

Abstract

In an effort to address concerns related to the impact of pesticides on threatened or endangered species and in response to ongoing litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the Bulletins Live! Two (BL!T) website, and pesticide mitigation strategies in order to reduce chemical runoff/erosion and spray drift. Rather than creating broad area-wide restrictions, the EPA has created a mitigation system that can be configured based on the site location, pesticide product, and application month. While this flexibility offers applicators the opportunity to continue to use most pesticides, it has led to some confusion regarding which mitigation menus and measures to use and when. In an effort to address concerns and reduce farmer, landowner, and applicator confusion around these new measures, 1 virtual and 7 in-person presentations were given at University of Maryland Extension winter pesticide recertification class and winter crop production meetings on the Maryland Eastern Shore, reaching ~230 participants. The main goal of this program is to increase understanding of the different EPA mitigation strategies, highlight the tools that are available to help applicators navigate them, and show how to use them. When asked at the end of two pesticide recertification classes, ~75% of participants said they had a better understanding of the new regulations, and ~70% were less stressed about the update to labels.

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.

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Authors: Emily Zobel
  1. Zobel, E. Senior Agent for Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension , Maryland, 21613-0299