In response to losing lawsuits on lack of action on the endangered species, the EPA proposed a draft strategy aimed at guarding federally endangered species against potential negative impacts of herbicide applications. They describe the strategy as a mix of population-level protections for over 900 listed species and designated critical habitats with a range of mitigation measures. What the EPA is proposing to do will eventually impact every pesticide application in Tennessee.
This is a very complicated topic. I found the two WarAgainstWeeds podcasts helpful in trying to understand the “why, where and how” of EPAs strategy.
If you would like to comment to EPA on this plan (I would urge you to comment!), here is a link: Write a Comment