Environmental Assessment for Aerial Dispersal of Herbicide for Invasive Tree Control

Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District is considering the use of aerial application of Escort XP© to remove invasive trees that have grown and spread at Macon Lakes Waterfowl Production Area (WPA). The WPA is located 7 miles north of Franklin, Nebraska. About 480 acres of the property have become infested. Heavy equipment was used to remove the larger trees and their roots. What remains is a large scattering of young trees less than 2 inches in diameter.

Escort XP is an agricultural chemical used to kill broadleaf plants, including woody vegetation. Metsulfuron methyl (Escort XP) has a low toxicity and there is no evidence that the chemical presents any reproductive risks or causes malformation or cancer. Aerial application would allow for more safe and effective coverage at a cheaper cost than possible with ground application. Aerial application would be done by a certified aerial applicator in accordance with the herbicide label.

A copy of the environmental assessment can be obtained at this link, or by contacting our office. We welcome your comments by either email or by letter. Our contact information is:

Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District

P.O. Box 1686

Kearney, NE 68848

Phone: 308-236-5015 ext 27

Email: rainwater@fws.gov

Last updated: July 9, 2009