NMDA’s Pesticide Compliance Section collaborates with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect New Mexico’s natural resources from pesticides.
Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan in 2022. The ESA Workplan is intended to improve the current ESA- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) registration review process by EPA for pesticides. The improved process will address and reduce conflicts related to endangered species between EPA and US Fish and Wildlife by releasing strategy frameworks, and at the same time, protecting endangered species.
In an effort to meet ESA obligations to reduce endangered species exposure to pesticides, EPA has created use strategies as part of the ESA Workplan.
EPA’s ESA Workplan Timeline
- April 2022 - EPA released ESA Workplan
- November 2022 - ESA Updated Workplan
- Summer 2023 - DRAFT Herbicide Use Strategy
- July 31, 2024 - DRAFT Insecticide Use Strategy released for public comments Strategy
- August 20, 2024 - FINAL Herbicide Use Strategy released
- September 23, 2024 - Insecticide Use Strategy 60-day public comments due
The first initiative of the ESA Workplan was released in early 2024 known as the Herbicide Use Strategy. This Strategy was designed to develop, propose, and implement early protective measures for agricultural use of conventional herbicide products, to protect over 900 species from agricultural use of herbicides.
The second initiative of the ESA Workplan was created in 2024, but has not yet been finalized. It is known as the proposed Insecticide Use Strategy. This Strategy centers on safeguarding more than 850 federally threatened and endangered species, as well as designated critical habitats, from potential exposure to conventional insecticides used in agriculture.
A Rodenticide Use Strategy is anticipated to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture Pesticide Compliance Section encourages pesticide applicators/users to read pesticide product labels thoroughly and to pay specific attention to label directions related to endangered species. To better protect threatened and endangered species, the U.S. EPA intends to include Bulletins Live Two (BLT) as part of the strategies mentioned above. When applicable, label language will direct the user of specific pesticide products to EPA’s “Bulletin Live! Two” website.
“Bulletins Live! Two”, is intended to contain updated information regarding specific pesticide use restrictions that are specific to location and to threatened and endangered species. New Mexico Department of Agriculture Pesticide Compliance, encourages users of pesticide products to read pesticide labels thoroughly and to pay specific attention to those directions regarding the use of “Bulletins Live! Two”.
For more information visit:
- EPA Endangered Species Protection Program
- US Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program
- New Mexico Department of Game & Fish Threatened & Endangered Species
Water Resources
NMDA promotes the safe, effective use of pesticides, and encourages users to follow all label directions. They also encourage consideration of additional protective measures when endangered species or water resources may be affected. Always:
- Choose the least-hazardous pesticide available to control the target pest
- Apply it at the minimum effective rate
- Leave a buffer zone around areas where species or water may be affected, such as natural areas or wetlands
- Consider wildlife nesting, migration, and other behaviors when planning a pesticide application near potentially occupied sites
Pollinators
More information for pollinators coming soon.
NMDA registered products for use in managed beehives
EPA Pollinator Protection Resources
For questions regarding the protection of endangered species and water resources from pesticides, email pesticides@nmda.nmsu.edu or telephone 575-646-2134.
Brad Lewis, AES Division Director
ddaes@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-646-3207