BLM to publish analysis on herbicides for noxious and invasive weed control
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management has completed a final programmatic environmental impact statement analyzing seven herbicide active ingredients that could be used for vegetation treatments to control noxious weeds and invasive species on America’s public lands.
The BLM manages 245 million acres of public lands primarily in the western United States, including Alaska. Approximately one third of these lands, or 79 million acres, are impacted by noxious and invasive weeds. If not eradicated or controlled, these plants can jeopardize the health of public lands and constrain the many activities that occur on them.
“One of the BLM's highest priorities is to promote the health of our public lands, and one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal is the rapid expansion of noxious and invasive weeds,” said Sharif Branham, BLM Assistant Director for Resources and Planning. “The BLM applies an integrated approach to vegetation management that includes smart and appropriate use of herbicides to manage such weeds.”
Invasive plant communities can develop resistance to herbicide active ingredients over time, requiring continuous research and development of more effective active ingredients. The BLM is considering adding ingredients registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, including Indaziflam, to its list of approved herbicide active ingredients.
A Notice of Availability will publish in Friday’s Federal Register. The BLM expects to publish a Record of Decision regarding this proposal early in 2024. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
For more information, please contact Seth Flanigan at sflanigan@blm.gov or (208) 373-4094.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.