The news came in early this morning that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency that governs where the USDA spraying of the insecticide carbaryl was due to commence on July 7, has cancelled the plan. BLM Taos Filed Manager Pamela Mathis, released this statement: "Additional environmental analysis and outreach for this project is necessary, and we are dedicated to doing so in an open and transparent manner. Due to the time needed to carry out additional analysis, the project cannot be achieved this season and will no longer take place." (Santa Fe New Mexican)
Those who objected to the spraying claimed that the insecticide carbaryl would kill more than the grasshoppers at which it was directed, including other pollinators and insects that are essential for a healthy ecosystem. The Xerces Society, along with other watchdog and environmental groups, raised the alarm and got the word out. It appears that New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich used his office to influence the decision to cancel the spraying.
Farmers and ranchers have suffered the infestation of grasshoppers, but hopefully with a more transparent consultation with the pubic a better solution can be explored.
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