USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is planning on preparing an environmental impact statement to analyze the effects of a program to suppress grasshopper and Mormon cricket populations.
The program will cover rangelands in the 17 states of the western U.S.
“Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have the potential to occur at high population levels,” USDA said in its notice of intent. “When outbreaks occur, they can reduce the value of rangeland forage, especially during droughts. A rapid and effective response is required when a grasshopper or Mormon cricket outbreak develops and threatens rangeland forage.”
Comments on the proposed program can be submitted through July 20 at tinyurl.com/4akb6rys.
