25 - Navigating a local US Fish and Wildlife Service consultation to comply with product labels

Abstract: The Endangered Species act (ESA) was passed in 1972 to protect imperiled species as well as any habitat upon which they rely. Under Section 7 of the Endangered species act, Federal agencies are required to consult and cooperate with the USFWS and NMFS to ensure actions they take further the goals of protecting endangered species. In 2018, a new consultation and evaluation process was utilized by the EPA to evaluate malathion, chlorpyrifos and diazinon. In 2021, the reregistration of malathion was completed by the EPA using this new interagency cooperation process. This reregistration is the first active ingredient used in mosquito control to be evaluated using input and data from the USFWS and NMFS. As a result of this new process, changes to the product labels for ULV materials are coming that require consultation with the Bulletins Live! Two website maintained by the EPA. Label requirements may also require a consultation with your regional US Fish and Wildlife Service office. This presentation will discuss how to conduct a FWS consultation in compliance with product labels as well as what resources are available to ensure a successful interaction.