Aerial treatment operations- fixed wing aircraft applying pesticide over forest for Lymnatria dispar control. Courtesy photo from bugwood.org, USDA APHIS PPQ.

The Forest Health Protection staff of the USDA Forest Service has the responsibility of managing and coordinating the proper use of pesticides within the National Forest System (NFS). It is also responsible for providing technical advice and support, and for conducting training to maintain technical expertise.

Health & Safety
Pesticide Registration
Virus Products
Pesticide Use Risk Assessments & Worksheets

Mile-a-minute weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes) on vine. Courtesy photo from bugwood.org, by Ellen Lake, University of Delaware.

The Biological Control program is tiered to the broader Forest Service's National Strategic Framework for Invasive Species Management as well as regional plans dealing with invasive species. The Biological Control program focuses its resources on a few insects and weed species that have the greatest potential for biological control.

Identify natural enemies for biological control of invasive species
Coordinate funding for biological control
Develop recommendations for the restoration of native plant species

Larva of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia psuedotsugata, on white fir. Courtesy photo from bugwood.org, by Donald Owen, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The Biopesticides Program serves as an up-to-date information source on biopesticides, biologically based products such as semiochemicals and microbial agents, used by State and Private Forestry staffs, nationwide, for short-term control of invasive species.

Increase awareness on the use of biopesticides
Form partnerships and coordinate the development and implementation of biopesticides