BLM Wants To Dramatically Increase Herbicide Spraying on Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently proposing to authorize widespread use of a number of herbicides on thousands of acres across Oregon.

The proposed herbicide spraying would not be limited to treatment of invasive species and noxious weeds; instead the BLM also intends to apply herbicides to nearly 15,000 acres of native vegetation along roads, administrative sites, and recreation sites (such as campgrounds). By spraying the roads and recreation sites that receive public use, the BLM will be putting users of public lands directly in contact with herbicides.

Of particular concern is the BLM’s proposal to once again spray the notorious herbicide “2,4-D” across public lands. The human health impacts of 2,4-D are currently under review by the EPA due to its toxic effects on the immune system and the high probability that it is an endocrine disruptor. The EPA is considering banning 2,4-D due to its toxicity to the human immune system, its nerotoxicity and its ability to be absorbed through the skin.

The proposed herbicide spraying would not be limited to careful site-specific application.  Instead, the BLM is proposing aerial spraying of thousands of acres of rugged public lands and generic “boom-applicator” spraying of thousands more.

Please send a brief letter below to the BLM asking them to scale back their reliance on dangerous herbicides!