1. Extension Reaching Many
through Pesticide Trainings
Chichester, K.A.
Extension Educator, University of Wyoming, Albany County, Laramie, WY, 82070
Abstract
Laramie, Wyoming, is home to portions of management, proper laundering of laundry
the Casper Formation Aquifer. This aquifer and much more. The educator works to
supplies approximately 60% of the city of ensure all participants have the knowledge
Laramie’s drinking water supply through to safely and effectively apply pesticides in
wells. It is imperative that individuals a manner consistent with the labeling. With
living in and around the aquifer’s recharge the movement toward online testing, the
zone do all that they can to protect the Wyoming Department of Agriculture has
water supply, as well as avian, wildlife, provided each county extension office with
and aquatic species. The University of a computer to administer pesticide license
Wyoming Extension Educator in Albany tests for both private and commercial
County has worked to provide trainings applicants. The online testing provides
for private pesticide applicators since an instant pass or fail to the examiners.
2007 to decrease the risk of pesticide This option is primarily being used for the
contamination to the aquifer. Trainings commercial applicator licenses. Extension
are held each spring before the expiration spends many hours statewide ensuring
of the five-year license issued by the those attending the meetings are properly
Wyoming Department of Agriculture to the trained to not only protect their water
applicant. All trainings cover principles of resources but land resources and their
pest control, pesticide labeling, personal families. In this five-year span, 102 private
protective clothing, calibration, pasture pesticide licenses have been issued. Training participants learning about calibration and the 1/128 method from Albany County
Weed and Pest personnel.
Participant
building a list of
Materials and Methods
county- and Private pesticide applicator training information is
state-declared presented through PowerPoint presentations, real-life
noxious stories, hands-on activities, and group discussions. The
weeds. length of the training is approximately four hours and
is taught by a combination of personnel from Albany Implications
County Weed and Pest and University of Wyoming With quickly changing regulations
Extension. Trainings are held in March, allowing the and requirements, training materials
Wyoming Department of Agriculture time to process need to be relevant. Trainers
applications for those with expiring licenses or first-time ensure that all new and updated
attendees. A private pesticide license is needed to information is included to provide
purchase any restricted-use products. The license is the landowner the best information
free and is valid for five years. If community members available. By staying relevant, we
are not able to attend the training, they can test online continue to ensure the safety of
through the extension office at no cost, taking less than the water quality and the continued
an hour. use of pesticides and herbicides
to maintain healthy yards and
rangelands. Throughout the year,
Results and Ima the teaching team keeps track of
potential problems, whether it be
Over the past five years, 102 private pesticide licenses
plant- or insect-based. N
have been issued in Albany County to landowners.
covering these areas is covered the
The number of attendants has steadily increased
following year. This method ensures
each year. Landowners are more concerned about
that producers are receiving timely
sustainability and ensuring proper application of
and accurate information.
pesticides by themselves and/or those under direct
supervision on their properties.