The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released information on how to protect endangered species from herbicides and maintain a wide range of options for use by growers. EPA has had multiple lawsuits as it tried to comply with the Endangered Species Act on a pesticide by pesticide and species basis. This new strategy identifies ways to reduce herbicide exposure to species when it registers new herbicides and during the review of herbicides for re-registration.

The new strategy creates more options for mitigation and reduces the level of mitigation needed for applicators who have reduced herbicide drift and runoff. Mitigation measures include cover crops, conservation practices and others. Also, the strategy uses information to determine whether an herbicide will impact a listed species and to identify protections needed.

EPA’s strategy does not impact pesticide requirements or use but focuses on mitigation. Further information can be found on the website www.regulations.gov.

For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Field Specialist in Agronomy, University of Missouri Extension 816-279-1691.