US Forest Service Defends Glyphosate Use

Sierra Pacific Industries is conducting large-scale timberland spraying across California. Small seedlings and ferns are being killed by the application during timberland management. The process results in the death of seedlings and small trees growing in treated areas. This method is primarily driven by cost-saving requirements. This approach aims to reduce costs associated with hand-tearing bushes and manual vegetation removal. Critics argue the partnership with the chemical industry is inappropriate and poses higher risks than manual methods. The practice involves applying chemicals to manage land more efficiently than human workers. The use of these chemicals is described as potentially riskier than oversight by the EPA. Critics argue that the use of chemicals like those from Monsanto poses risks that are being downplayed by industry claims regarding instruction compliance. The US Forest Service is defending its use of glyphosate, citing the 2000 Williams paper as the basis for its safety claims. This specific project near Lake Tahoe may involve more glyphosate than all of California's forest spraying in 2023. The 2023 spraying year was previously the largest on record for the state.