Pesticides
An effort has been made to italicize technical words or phrases and clearly define them in the glossary.
Pesticides, including both herbicides and insecticides, are valuable tools in maintaining a healthy forest. Herbicides are often used to control unwanted vegetation in the establishment of both natural stands and plantations. The use of herbicides, rather than mechanical methods, is recommended on erodible piedmont and mountain sites to protect water quality. Insecticides may be used to control certain insect infestations where outbreaks are localized.
Proper planning and conscientious execution of the plan are the keys to safe use of pesticides. The plan should clearly delineate the area to be treated and should include buffers to protect bodies of water and neighboring landowners' property. The plan should also specify chemicals to be used, method of treatment, application rate, target species, acceptable wind directions and wind speeds, and nearby sensitive areas.
BMPs
- FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS and applicable state and federal laws in the storage, transportation, handling, and application of all pesticides.
- Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from the manufacturer for toxicological information and personal safety protection requirements.
- Apply restricted use pesticides (RUP) only under the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. Information on the certification process is available from: Department of Fertilizer and Pesticide Control, 256 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29631.
- Dispose of pesticide containers and/or excess pesticide according to state and federal regulations.
- Aerial application should only be done when wind speeds are 5 mph or less for liquid formulations, and 8 mph or less for granular formulations. Ground application should only be done when wind speeds are 10 mph or less.
- Except for directed hand equipment applications, use caution when winds are blowing toward sensitive areas. Wait until winds change or use wider buffers.
- Do all on-site pesticide handling, such as tank mixing, away from streams, ponds, and drainage areas.
- Clean up and/or contain all pesticide spills immediately and comply with state and federal regulations concerning reporting spills of hazardous materials.
- Maintain records of the use of restricted use pesticides (RUP) as directed by state and federal regulations.
Avoid
- Applying pesticide directly to water bodies (streams, lakes, swamps) unless specifically prescribed and approved for aquatic management needs.
- Broadcast applications of pesticides within primary Streamside Managment Zones (SMZs).
- Applying any herbicide adjacent to the primary SMZ that would damage trees in the primary SMZ.
Contents
Streamside Management Zones /
Forest Road Construction /
Timber Harvesting /
Site Preparation /
Reforestation /
Prescribed Burning /
Stream Crossings /
Fertilization /
Minor Drainage /
Endangered Species Act /
Additional Management Options: Wildlife Management /
Glossary
Forest Management/ Reference Resources / Environmental Forestry/ Braided Stream Systems