from a Weed Science Society of America press release (Oct. 11, 2014)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an online toolbox with educational materials related to pesticides and endangered species -- another step in the agency's efforts to protect endangered species, support farmers, and provide critical environmental protections for communities across the country.
When EPA registers a pesticide or reevaluates it in registration review, the agency has a responsibility under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ensure that the use of the pesticide does not jeopardize the continued existence of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species or adversely modify their designated critical habitats. Over the last few years, EPA has developed strategies and educational materials in support of the agency's implementation of its ESA obligations. The Pesticide and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox catalogs educational resources including guidance documents, handouts, presentations, informational webinars, and other resources relating to EPA's endangered species work. The toolbox can be sorted alphabetically, by publication date, or by topic and has a search function that allows users to search by keyword or phrase.
EPA developed the materials in this toolbox for a variety of stakeholders who may have differing levels of knowledge about EPA's efforts to protect listed species. For example, crop consultants, retailers, extension agents, and others, may use these materials to educate growers and applicators on the ESA strategies or mitigation measures they may see on product labels.
This initial release of the toolbox primarily consolidates existing materials from various locations on EPA's website into one location. EPA has also included a new one-page handout on Bulletins Live! Two. This handout explains what Bulletins are, why users need to know about Bulletins, and how to find them on Bulletins Live! Two.
EPA will continue adding new materials to the toolbox as they are developed.
Click this link to visit the EPA Pesticides and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox