Comment submitted by Kurt Schwarz
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: The commenter, identifying as a birder, supports the EPA's Draft Fungicide Strategy to reduce exposure of endangered species to agricultural fungicides. They specifically advocate for maximum protection for birds from fungicide and pesticide-coated seeds.
I applaud the EPA for creating a Draft Fungicide Strategy to Reduce Exposure of Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species and Designated Habitats from the Use of Conventional Agricultural Fungicides. In particular, I support developing a framework to address the impacts of fungicides and pesticides used as seed treatments.
As a birder, I am aware that a single neonicotinoid-coated seed can kill a Blue Jay. It would be even more toxic to a smaller grassland bird such as a Grasshopper Sparrow or a Horned Lark.
I ask that EPA please ensure maximum protection of federally listed species, as well as non-listed species from fungicides, and especially from fungicide or pesticide-coated seeds.