ND First State To Get Approval For Endangered Species-Pesticides
Plan

North Dakota has become the first state to receive federal
approval for its Endanger Species-Pesticide Management Program. 
William P Yellowtail, Denver, regional administrator for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, informed Commissioner of
Agriculture Sarah Vogel that the plan had been reviewed and
approved by both the EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
"It is my understanding that this is the first, final, signed,
regionally approved...state initiated plan," Yellowtail wrote. 
"Congratulations, and keep up the good work." 

The management plan provides that three species - the bald eagle,
the interior least tern and the piping plover - are to be
protected from exposure to certain pesticides. Farmers and
ranchers who operate in the breeding areas of these species may
be able to use these pesticides, however, if on-site inspection
teams determine that such use does not endanger the birds.
Vogel credited the work of the Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Division, especially Director Barry Coleman and Program
Coordinator Kenneth Junkert; with developing and implementing the
program.

"Barry and Ken did an outstanding job of putting together a
program that meets the requirements of the federal mandate, yet
gives North Dakota farmers the possibility of using farm
chemicals that may otherwise be unavailable to them." Vogel said. 

The commissioner also credited the North Dakota Game and Fish
Department, the North Dakota State University Extension Service
and the Fish and Wildlife Service for their assistance in
developing the plan.

For more information please call Sarah Vogel at (701) 328-2231 or
Barry Coleman at (701)328-4756.

(From: AGvocate July 6, 1995)