12.16.2005

Herbicides for fire prevention?

The US Bureau of Land Management wants to douse 932,000 acres of land in 17 western states with 18 different kinds of herbicides each year to reduce fire risk. TheOrganic Consumers Association:
The pesticides that would be used include persistent and mobile chemicals, including known developmental and reproductive toxins. The overall pestcides include 4 new chemicals and 14 other pesticides, including 2,4-D, bromacil, chlorsulfuron, diquat, diuron, fluridone, hexazinone, teburthiruon, triclopyr, and picloram. The proposal would also allow the use of "new chemicals that may be developed in the future."
While the goals seem fine, the methods don't, especially since non-chemical alternatives (fire, mechanical, manual, cultural, and biological control efforts) are available, according to Californians for Alternatives to Toxics.

Sign OCA's petition to the BLM here.

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