By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension has introduced a new resource to help pesticide applicators keep up with changing pesticide regulations and environmental protection requirements. The resource, known as the Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report, provides updated information on pesticide products that require additional review before application.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing new label directions on certain pesticide products to address concerns about the impact of pesticides on threatened and endangered species. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect sensitive habitats while meeting legal and environmental obligations.
Under the updated process, applicators may be required to check an online system called Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) before applying certain pesticides. The system determines whether additional use limitations are necessary based on factors such as application location and timing. Restrictions may vary by county, habitat, and season, helping ensure that protective measures are targeted rather than applied broadly.
The BLT system is designed to reduce unnecessary restrictions while providing safeguards for endangered species and their habitats. Instead of applying the same requirements across large areas, the system identifies specific locations and time periods where additional precautions may be needed.
One challenge for applicators is that the BLT database can be updated at any time, and there is currently no official EPA notification system for these changes. To improve awareness, Michigan State University Extension developed the Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report. The report identifies pesticide products that currently require users to consult the BLT system and highlights products that have application limitations in Michigan.
The tracker report is updated twice each month and identifies newly added products as well as products that are no longer listed. This allows applicators to monitor changes and better understand evolving pesticide requirements. However, the report is intended only as an awareness tool and should not replace official label instructions or information found within the BLT system.
Applicators are encouraged to carefully review the pesticide label before every application. The label attached to the product container remains the primary source of instructions and legal requirements. In some cases, products may already be available in the marketplace before updated labels become widespread, making it especially important to follow the label in hand.
Users are also responsible for checking the “Directions for Use” section of pesticide labels to determine whether a BLT review is required. Additional information can be obtained through EPA resources, including county-specific data on pesticide use limitations and mitigation requirements.
The Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report serves as a valuable educational tool that helps applicators stay informed about changing pesticide regulations. By encouraging regular review of labels and online bulletins, the report supports responsible pesticide use, regulatory compliance, and the protection of endangered species and important habitats across agricultural regions.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education