BLM seeking public comments on use of herbicides for weed management

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management, California

BLM Office:

Applegate Field Office

Media Contact:

Cheatgrass, an invasive weed, growing on public land. Photo by A. Hedrick, BLM. ALTURAS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public comments on a proposal to add four herbicides to its weed management program that combats the spread of invasive weeds on public lands. Comments are due by Friday, July 26.

The BLM has released for public review and comment an environmental assessment analyzing the addition of aminopyralid, fluroxypyr, rimsulfuron and imazapic to the list of herbicides allowed on public lands managed by the Applegate Field Office. The products have the trademarked names Milestone, Comet, Vista, Solida, Matrix and Plateau.

“Herbicides are among the tools we use to combat noxious and invasive weeds that crowd out native rangeland plants important for wildlife and livestock,” said Alan Bittner, BLM Northern California District manager.  “We could also use mechanical treatments, biological control methods, prescribed livestock grazing and prescribed burning.  This draft EA analyzes the continuing implementation of our integrated weed management plan that helps keep public lands healthy and productive.”

The preliminary EA, Integrated Weed Management Plan, is available for review and comment at https://goo.gl/R6f2NT. The BLM will also accept comments mailed to the Applegate Field Office, 708 W. 12th St., Alturas, CA 96101, or by fax at 530-233-5696.

For more information, contact Levi Bateman, BLM weed management specialist, at 530-233-7912.


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.