EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING EPA'S ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION PROGRAM ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

In 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated an effort to comply more fully with the Endangered Species Act. This effort became their "Endangered Species Protection Program." The possibility of such a program was forecast in 1982 when Donald A. Spencer gave a presentation to the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference on "Vertebrate Pest Management and Changing Times." This paper focuses on current plans for implementing the EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program as it relates to the USDA Forest Service. It analyzes the potential effects this program will have on the agency, using the pocket gopher (Thomomys spp.), strychnine, and the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) as examples of an affected pest, pesticide, and predator.

STATUS OF BROMETHALIN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

ABSTRACT: Bromethalin has been extensively researched over the past decade in the United States, Switzerland, England, Denmark, and France. United States EPA registrations were received in 1982 and commercial pelleted formulations containing 0.01% bromethalin were developed and introduced in the USA by Ralston Purina (ASSAULT1*) in 1985 and Velsicol (VENGEANCE1*) in 1986. Ciba-Geigy is currently developing new formulations under the tradename DORATIDR for use outside the United States. Bromethalin acute toxicity and 14-day subchronic studies are reviewed and data from recently completed 90-day subchronic studies required for registration outside the US are presented. Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that bromethalin acts as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, thus interrupting the vital production of ATP necessary to maintain essential metabolic functions. Laboratory and field trial data are presented from Switzerland, France, England, and Denmark that indicate the effectiveness of new bromethalin formulations against anticoagulant resistant and susceptible rodents. A comparative rodenticide pen testing system is described from which test results confirm bromethalin's quick action and feed consumption efficiency when compared to second-generation anticoagulants.