September 18, 2011
SHORT FUSE AKA Forest Pest Suppression Submittals for FY 12 - Suspense 28 September
I received word yesterday that the USFS has decided to continue this program in FY 12. The USFS Forest Pest Suppression Program is free to our projects. This is a great opportunity for our projects to get assistance and 100 % free funding from the FS if they are experiencing problems such as gypsy moths, oak wilt, southern pine beetles, etc.
If you have any questions please feel free to call me. FY 2012 Proposals for funding are due back to me no later than close of business on 28 September, 2011. Projects can E-Mail their proposals to me (provided they are coordinated with their District and Division). If you received FPS funds in FY 11 (AKA- Raystown, Canton Lake, and St. Paul- Peterson Lake) you also need to complete attachment 4 and forward it to me by COB 28 September 2011.
Participation in the FPS program is voluntary. However, I do strongly encourage you to coordinate with the Regional Office of USFS concerning any proposal that is submitted for a project. That effort significantly increases the possibility of having the proposal approved.
As in previous years, per discussions with my FS counterparts, proposals they are focused on prevention rather than suppression or eradication have a minimal chance of being funded. Keep your proposals realistic, FY 12 funding for this program has been reduced. The range of a typical proposals that are funded is $1,000 to $50,000. Unfortunately there continues to be no consensus in the USFS concerning the treatment and control of The Emerald Ash Borer. Therefore I suggest you don't waste time submitting request for this invasive.
Applications
Finally, you need to be aware of The Environmental Protection Agency is increasing regulations on the pesticide industry. EPA recently released its Final Draft for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit (PGP), proposing new regulations on applicators who apply pesticides to, near, or above water. If you rely on the application of pest and vegetation control products to, near, or above water to protect your resources you may be subject to this new regulation. The regulation is now targeted to be finalized and implemented in February 2012. Numerous states are developing similar regulations that are targeted to be implemented in that time frame. The chemical industry continues to support a high level of opposition to this regulation and additional delays are possible concerning implementation dates.
Tim Toplisek
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