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Pesticides and Endangered Species
The information on this page is updated as of April 11, 2025 and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Contact Information
Michigan is home to 26 species of plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These species are classified and listed following a scientific review conducted by the agency. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
New requirements related to the Endangered Species Act will soon result in changes to pesticide labels. The goal of these changes is to protect species that could be harmed by pesticide use. These changes will happen gradually, and MDARD is currently focused on educating applicators about the changes and compliance.
Most Important Points to Know About Changes Related to ESA
- It is more important than ever to read product labels to make sure you understand changing requirements.
- This website should be used as a resource to help keep you updated about changes related to ESA and provide direction to the appropriate state and federal resources as they become available.
- MDARD, other states, and EPA are still determining how these new requirements will be implemented and enforced. MDARD is working with industry partners and Michigan State University Extension on this issue to determine how to implement these changes is a high priority for the department.
- As always, MDARD expects applicators to read and follow label requirements and will follow established enforcement response policy when making decisions regarding issues encountered in the field.
Additional Resources
- Endangered Species by County │ MDARD: A list of resources including general information about all federally listed endangered species thought to occur in Michigan.
- Mitigation Menu | US EPA: The steps pesticide applicators must follow to determine which runoff/erosion mitigation measures to consider and employ before using a pesticide each year.
- Pesticides and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox | US EPA: The toolbox catalogs educational resources including guidance documents, handouts, presentations, informational webinars, and other resources relating to EPA’s endangered species work.
- EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two -- View the Bulletins | US EPA: A direct link to the Bulletins Live! Two Website. This site can be used to view PULAs and Endangered Species Protection Bulletins.
- Using Bulletins Live! Two | MSU Extension: MSU Extension helps applicators use Bulletins Live! Two and provides additional resources for using Bulletins Live! Two.
- Endangered Species │ Weed Science Society of America: Additional information and resources regarding ESA from the Weed Science Society of America.
- ESA Pesticide User Guide | Crop Life America: Flowchart and user guide developed in collaboration with the Agricultural Retailers Association and Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology.