Best Managment Practices for Managing Rights-of-Way Vegetation

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are included in this strategy to assist in the planning and implementation of ground application programs. They are intended to supplement and not replace the herbicide labels. The practices should be used when the Integrated Pest Management control option indicates that herbicide applications are appropriate. The BMPs will ensure that practical measures are being taken to reduce pesticide use and risk in order to meet the objectives of the pesticide stewardship strategy.

1. The following factors should be considered in the planning of any herbicide application:
   • Target species
   • Height and density of vegetation
   • Land use: within and adjacent to the right-of-way
   • Label restrictions
   • Natural and man-made restrictions
2. Follow herbicide label directions and any other supplemental label information provided by the manufacturer. Material Safety and Data Sheets should also be reviewed.
3. Only herbicides registered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the designated responsible state agency shall be used.
4. All herbicide applications shall be performed by applicators who are qualified in accordance with the laws and regulations of appropriate regulatory agencies.
5. Selective application techniques should be used wherever practical so that compatible vegetation is not treated.
6. Where practical, herbicides should be measured and mixed with diluent prior to transfer to application site.
7. Herbicide containers must be reused, recycled or otherwise disposed of in a proper manner.
8. Where practical, transfer of herbicide mixtures should be made directly from shipping containers to holding tank and/or application equipment through closed transfer systems, where possible.
9. Appropriate techniques should be used to avoid significant off-target drift.
10. These special precautions should be observed during periods of inclement weather:
    • Applications should not be made in, immediately prior to, or immediately following rain when runoff could be expected.
    • Applications should not be made when wind and/or fog conditions have the potential to cause drift.
    • Basal bark applications should not be made when stems are wet with rain, snow or ice.
11. When making applications near water, crops, and/or other restrictions, application personnel should put their backs to the restricted area with the treatment being directed away from the restricted area.