| Media Contact: Glenn Brank 916/445-3974 | February 15, 2002 |
DPR Online Bulletin
This is one in a continuing series of online bulletins from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Our goal is to keep interested parties up to date on practical information and developments that may not be included in DPR news releases or other announcements. Online bulletins are posted periodically.
"OSCARS" OF PEST MANAGEMENT
DPR is accepting nominations for 2002 IPM Innovator Awards, the "Oscars" of progressive pest management. Nominations should be submitted by March 15. Go online for more information and a nomination form at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/ipminov/innovatr.htm or call Charles Hunter at (916) 324-4100. IPM -- integrated pest management -- works with nature to prevent pest problems and minimize pesticide use. IPM Innovators are honored with plaques at a ceremony in Sacramento and listed in DPR's annual progress report.
REPORTING ON OUR PROGRESS
DPR's new progress report includes updates on our school IPM program, as well as significant initiatives in registration, enforcement, environmental monitoring, and worker health and safety. "Protecting People and the Environment, 2001" may be found on the left-hand button bar of our main page. www.cdpr.ca.gov
PEST MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE WORKSHOP
Pest Management Alliances are major grant projects that foster partnerships between DPR and industry groups committed to reducing pesticide risks. DPR will host an Alliance workshop from 8 a.m. to noon March 12 at Cal/EPA headquarters in Sacramento. Alliance partners will exchange information on their progress, and other interested parties are welcome. Participants may qualify for two hours of continuing education credit. The event is free, but reservations are required; e-mail Bob Elliott, belliott@cdpr.ca.gov or call him at (916) 324-4100. A tentative workshop agenda may be found under "What's New" at www.cdpr.ca.gov
REVAMPED SCHOOL IPM WEB PAGES
DPR has revised and expanded its school IPM Web pages. Although public school IPM programs are voluntary, some notification requirements are mandatory. (Schools must post warning signs for 24 hours before pesticide applications and 72 hours afterward. Some copies of a recent DPR news release erred on these time frames.) www.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/
LICENSEES REGISTER ONLINE
A pilot project by DPR and the County Agricultural Commissioners allows pest control licensees in six counties to complete registration transactions online (except for fee payment), and it allows licensees in any county to check for info about their licenses. More than 12,000 licensees can use this online service. http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/currlic.htm
MANAGEMENT PLAN RESTRUCTURED
DPR has agreed to allow Dow AgroSciences to restructure its seven-year-old program for managing use of the fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). The refinements are consistent with the existing management program for 1,3-D, while assisting growers in their transition away from methyl bromide, which is subject to a 2005 phase out. www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/methbrom/mb_main.htm
POSTING REQUIREMENTS EVALUATED
Some pesticide applications require warning signs to notify workers when they may reenter the field. A recent report by DPR's Worker Health and Safety Branch evaluates how well these posting requirements are working. Link to www.cdpr.ca.gov/cfdocs/apps/whsrpt/hsrep/index.cfm and search for HS report number 1819.
THE BUZZ ON NEW REGULATIONS
DPR has amended regulations on the use of pesticides toxic to bees in Fresno, Kern, and Tulare counties. They include specific requirements during citrus bloom season. www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/recntadop.htm
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FLEX YOUR POWER! The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut energy costs, see www.cdpr.ca.gov.