We at the
BLM are writing today to let you know that the BLM has issued the Record of
Decision (ROD) for the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Final
PEIS) approving the use of three new herbicides for vegetation
management that are of low risk to the environment and human health. The
decision is to add aminopyralid (milestone), fluroxypyr (vista), and
rimsulfuron (matrix) to the BLM’s list of approved active ingredients for use
on public lands, increasing the list from 18 to 21. The additional active
ingredients provide the BLM with a more effective set of tools to address
wildfire protection and habitat restoration, and to reduce the threat of
noxious weeds, invasive species, and hazardous fuels on public lands. The ROD
identifies best management practices, standard operating procedures, and
mitigation measures for all vegetation treatment projects involving the use of
herbicides.
The Final PEIS includes pertinent
information from the biological assessment regarding potential effects to
plant and animal species listed as threatened or endangered under the
Endangered Species Act, or proposed for listing, and their critical
habitats. The National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service both agree that the three additional active ingredients are
not likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat.
Comment responses and resultant changes in
the impact analysis are documented in the Final PEIS. The Federal Register
Notice of Availability of the ROD, a copy of the ROD, and the Final PEIS are
accessible at http://blm.gov/3vkd. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Ramos at
202-912-7226.
Bureau of Land Management
1849 "C" Street, NW
Rm2134 LM,WO-220 (Mailing Address Only)
Washington, DC 20240
Office:202-912-7226
Fax: 202-912-7182
Cell: 202-295-7701
e-mail: gramos@blm.gov
20 M Street, SE Office
(FedEX, UPS)
Room 2134 LM, WO-220
Washington, DC 20003
