WHO CAN APPLY PESTICIDES?

Pesticide applicators are required by law to be licensed by the State Department of Agriculture. They must pass an exam, then stay current through continuing education and training to maintain their license.

In addition to an applicator’s license, aerial applicators are licensed pilots with extensive training through both the FAA and the Department of Agriculture. Safety is always a priority.

WASHINGTON FRIENDS OF

FARMS & FORESTS Washington Friends is a non-profit association

serving as advocate and resource for pest

management issues. We represent individuals,

organizations, and businesses involved in the

production and protection of food and fiber.

PO BOX 7644 OLYMPIA, WA 98507

360.705.2040 info@wafriends.org

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.wafriends.org

Become a fan and follow us on Facebook!

A managed stand of second-growth Douglas fir

HERBICIDES IN

FORESTRY

A FUTURE FOREST

WHAT ABOUT DRIFT?

Before spray applications, weather conditions, including wind speed, temperature, and humidity are monitored. Applications are made only when conditions are right.

Technology continually improves practices. Aircraft are equipped with navigational devices to ensure spray is deposited in correct the location. Nozzles release large droplets rather than fine mist

allowing spray to fall straight down. Surfactants and other drift retardants are included in the herbicide mix to further reduce potential for drift.

Aerial application

Growing Healthy Forests WHAT IS AN HERBICIDE?

Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides are all types of pesticides. Herbicides target brush and weeds. Insecticides and fungicides target insects and diseases respectively and are rarely used in northwest forests.

WHY USE HERBICIDES?

Herbicides are used to improve growing conditions for young trees by reducing the competition from fast growing brush, weeds, and invasive plants. Less competition means newly planted trees have greater access to nutrients, sunlight, and water. A good start results in higher survival rates.

HOW ARE HERBICIDES USED?

Herbicides are applied to forestland usually only once or twice during a 45-65 year harvest rotation.

Herbicides are diluted before use for an application rate of only ounces per acre. Applications are timed to minimize harm to non-target plants.

Most herbicides used on forestland are the same as those sold to homeowners. Gasoline, diesel, and other common substances are far more toxic to humans, animals, and the environment than herbicides used on forestland.

HOW ARE PESTICIDES REGULATED?

All pesticides must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A new pesticide cannot be approved for sale or use without extensive research and testing to ensure that, when properly used, it will not harm humans, animals, or the environment.

The pesticide label is a legal document, required by the EPA. It specifies how to mix, how much to use, when to spray, and more.

Washington Forest Practices Act has even stricter regulations for pesticide use on forestland, including buffer requirements along streams and surface waters.

WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER HERBICIDE APPLICATION?

The Department of Natural Resources regulates all forest applications of herbicides in Washington. Aerial applications require a forest practices permit as well as posted signs identifying the product applied. Many types of applications also require a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist. If an application will be within 100 feet of water or 200 feet of a residence, buffers are required.

Storage and handling of forest herbicides are also strictly regulated to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Douglas fir seedling

Scotch broom

WASHINGTON TIMBERLANDS

Washington State has 22 million acres of the most productive forestland in the world. Less than half are commercial or working forests. Most working forests are second and third growth stands that have been managed for a century or more. In a working forest, new trees are planted soon after harvest of mature timber.

Washington’s working forests provide many products and benefits including wood and paper products, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water now and for future generations.

FOREST CERTIFICATION

4.8 million acres in Washington are certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This initiative promotes sustainable forest management including water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat with special consideration for at-risk species. Many family-owned tree farms are certified under the American Tree Farm System stewardship program that works to ensure watershed and wildlife habitat health.

Western hemlock seedling